Chris & Don: A Love Story

Chris & Don: A Love Story is a touching and intimate documentary that explores the enduring relationship between British writer Christopher Isherwood, renowned for his literary works such as "Goodbye to Berlin," which the musical "Cabaret" is based upon, and the American portrait artist Don Bachardy. Released in 2007 and directed by Guido Santi and Tina Mascara, the film depicts an unlikely yet profound love story unfolding amid the conservative ethos of the 20th century, where their open partnership stood as a brave testament to love and resistance against societal norms.

Although W.H. Auden does not star in the film, as he was a significant literary figure and friend of Isherwood, his contemporaneity with Isherwood and their shared experiences as prominent writers inform the cultural milieu in which the relationship between Chris and Don blossoms. Don Bachardy himself, alongside his brother Ted Bachardy, both contribute to the narrative through interviews, sharing their experiences and perspectives on this unique partnership.

Spanning over three decades, the film presents their romance with charming detail, starting from when they met in 1952 on a Santa Monica beach. Chris, a sophisticated and well-traveled man then in his late 40s, becomes captivated by the vibrant and youthful Don, who was just 18. Despite the wide age gap and potential for controversy, their relationship grows rooted in deep mutual respect and a shared love for the arts. As Don matures, not only as Christopher's companion but also as an artist in his own right, the documentary reveals how the pair influenced each other's work and personal development.

Chris & Don: A Love Story ingeniously utilizes multiple narrative techniques and media. Vintage stills, motion pictures, and Christopher's personal diaries accessed through charming animations all serve as conduits for storytelling. Additional archival material and original interviews with friends, family, and contemporaries bring greater context to their lives. The filmmakers astutely blend these elements to provide a rich, engaging tapestry that conveys a rare glimpse into the personal lives of two individuals whose love defied the odds.

Through candid interviews, Don opens up about his life with Chris, narrating their shared experiences with a sense of nostalgia, humor, and profound affection. The documentary delves into the development of Don as an artist under Isherwood's encouragement and support, revealing his growth from an impressionable teenager to a talented portrait painter whose subjects would include luminaries like Katharine Hepburn and Bette Davis. It also touches upon how they navigated their relationship dynamics and the importance of their circle of friends, which included notable figures from the worlds of literature, art, and Hollywood.

Additionally, the film does not shy away from the challenges Chris and Don faced. They grappled with the judgments of a society that often viewed their partnership with skepticism or disapproval. The age difference between the two men was a point of contention for outsiders, although it was a matter of little consequence in their shared life. The documentary also delicately explores how their love story became even more poignant as they faced the inevitability of age and mortality.

Above all, Chris & Don: A Love Story is an examination of the enduring nature of love. The filmmakers capture the couple's mutual affection, understanding, and unwavering commitment to one another throughout the trials and triumphs of their lives together. It's an insightful and poignant look at how two people forged a companionship that not only survived but thrived amidst personal and artistic evolution. It's a story that resonates well beyond its time, speaking to audiences about the universality and timeless nature of love.

The documentary serves both as a romantic recounting and a cultural document of a lesser-known, yet deeply significant, chapter in queer history. By highlighting the lives and relationship of Christopher Isherwood and Don Bachardy, the film celebrates the progressive and defiant spirit of their partnership that continues to inspire to this day. It is a moving narrative that offers an in-depth portrait of the couple's life together, making it a compelling watch not only for those interested in the subjects' literary and artistic contributions but also for anyone seeking a human story of profound connection, devotion, and enduring love.