Sugar [DVD]

An excellent film from the inimitable Bruce LaBruce, released by PPR, whose ever-expanding pedigree stable also includes other highly recommended films such as 'Krampack', 'Summer Storm', 'Close to Leo', 'Circuit' and 'You'll Get Over It'.

'Sugar' is a self-consciously poignant film, made more so by the fact that one of the two main actors, the highly-talented Andre Noble, died in an accident not long after the film was made. The essence of the plot is that Cliff (Andre Noble) goes onto the streets of Toronto to celebrate his 18th birthday, and meets street-wise hustler Butch (Brendan Fehr). Cliff is instantly captivated by the enigmatic and ostensibly self-assured Butch, and gets drawn into a downward spiral of hustling and the dark underbelly of the Toronto streets.

On one level the film could be categorised as a coming-of-age movie, though it is really more about the inexplicable emotional connections that people make, and the evolution of relationships. The central plank of 'Sugar' is certainly the dynamic relationship between Cliff and Butch, how that relationship evolves, and how it affects each party. Cliff and Butch are in many ways alter egos; confident/shy, street-wise/naïve, abandoned/from a loving family, sex as a commodity/sex as love. Perhaps this is part of what draws them together, each having something to teach the other. However this, their differences, is also what keeps their relationship under constant strain; ultimately both characters desire intimacy, but Butch's self-hatred acts as a barrier to its attainment.

'Sugar' toys with many emotions and themes - isolation, nihilism, love, hatred, betrayal and rejection - as well as containing one of the most intense male rape scenes you'll ever witness, and is in turns humorous, erotic, dark and moving. Since this is a Bruce LaBruce film, don't expect the usual 'It's ok to be gay' happy ending - but you can expect a unique story, quality acting, and an emotional and thought-provoking ride into the harsh realities of wanting something that you can never have.

As other reviewers have said this is a coming of age story that is both comedic and yet full of tragedy. Based on a Bruce LaBruce short story it is set and made in downtown Toronto. The hero turns 18 and his sister gives him a bottle of vodka, a joint and instructions to get laid. Andre Noble (Cliff) does just that (he sadly dies shortly after the making of this film). He meets 'hustler' or more accurately 'rent boy' 'Butch' played by Brendan Fehr, who puts in an outstanding performance (and I dont mean on the night as those more smut minded readers might infer).

They start a relationship of sorts and Butch meets the family and then starts taking Cliff to his regular tricks. All of this is fuelled by increasingly large numbers of narcotics which point toward a hedonistic lifestyle which belies that the need to block out the world is because you are not happy living in it.

Following a voyeur inspired 'rape', their relationship comes apart and Butch spirals ever downward with tragic consequences. This is a tottally belivable film and all the parts are played with true conviction, I found it completely compelling and can only recommend it. Some excellent supporting actors too especially the rag tag whores and lady boys and drug dealers, so not really a 'family film' this.

Somewhat 'claustrophobic' and un-released, as young Cliff, looking to realise his homosexual urges, is entwined in the downward spiralling life of Butch, the older hustler, unclear about his self-destructive motives and sexuality.
Cliff survives it - his innocence replaced by a certain cynicism - Butch does not...
Convincing acting by both Andre Noble (young Cliff) and Brendan Fehr (Butch).

I recommend it and am going to watch it again some day.