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The Man I Love review
Cannes film festival: Sachs’ film about an HIV-positive actor in the homophobic Reagan-era 80s is well-intended, but Malek’s mannered performance is hard to love
TL;DR
- The film is set in 1980s New York, during a period of intense homophobia and the HIV/AIDS crisis.
- Rami Malek plays Jimmy George, a charismatic actor and performance artist who is HIV-positive.
- Jimmy is recovering from a life-threatening HIV-related crisis and stars in a new stage piece.
- The film explores Jimmy's relationships with his partner Dennis, his suspicious new neighbor Vincent, and his disapproving sister Brenda.
- Despite good intentions, the film's lead performance is described as overripe, self-conscious, and strenuous.
- The article notes some nice moments, including Brenda's performance of 'How Are Things in Glocca Morra?' and Malek's recitation of the St. Crispin's Day speech.