BROADWAY Greek Film Festival

Click here if you liked this article 9

https://greekfilmfestival.com.au

13/10/2022 until 20/10/2022

Broadway is billed as a drama, but it is so much more! It is the story of a group of pickpockets who have taken possession of an abandoned theatre, set in the homonymous abandoned entertainment complex. Within their small community, the characters’ lives unfold with a sense of sharing, caring, and belonging.

This is possibly why this film works quite well as a visual remedy for those seeking refuge from the popularised ‘drag’ shows. The characters disguise themselves with leftover costumes from “Broadway” to perform street dances and attract an audience—their subject of theft, so it is not drag in the conventional sense

These scenes not only connect you with the real vibes of the city, but also give you insights into the strong bonds this city has with drag. I fact, some of the best drag queens of Athens are featured throughout the film.

Moreover, this film takes the discussion a bit further than conventional drag or gender illusion. Nelly and Barbara/Jonas, the two main characters and performers of the street gigs, develop a body connection and a love relationship despite the fact that Barbara/Jonas sells his body to older men.

Nelly eventually leads him to release from his haunting, obscure past. That has nothing to do with her sexual preferences. But rather for the basic need for connection and self-conception.

The casting is remarkably good. Elsa Lekakou delivers an intense performance, quiet, brooding often leaving the audience in doubt and questioning her motives. A well-balanced interpretation.

Foivos Papadopoulos convincingly manages the transformation to female while still retaining his male identity. He has an androgynous body shape which complements the ‘drag’ clothing he adopts for his act. His performance is very internalised leaving us wondering what he is thinking at times.

Stathis Apostolou could have easily become the ‘bad guy’, but his acting gives us more complexity and we alternately despise or sympathise with his plight.

Broadway is a complex film, but with a simple plot. It explores various themes and not all of them are resolved. It is a compelling watch for anyone who enjoys a ‘thinking’ person’s film. Highly recommended!

 Reviewed by Barry Hill