The Art of Being Straight

The Art of Being Straight, released in 2008, is an engaging and insightful independent drama written and directed by Jesse Rosen. This interesting movie features actors like Jesse Janzen, Tyler Jenich, and Bryan McGowan, and follows the lives of two disrupted 20-something friends exploring their sexual identities which opens up the curtain to the complex dynamics of relationships, family, and self-discovery.

The story revolves around the handsome, charismatic, and seemingly confident protagonist, John (played by Jesse Janzen), an East Coast working guy who moves to Los Angeles dwelling in the midst of his vague uncertainties about life. His friendly personality perfectly camouflages his confusion about his corporate job, his platonic relationship with his beautiful girlfriend, and more importantly his underlying unresolved sexuality conflict. As he steps into the social landscape of LA, he finds himself being drawn towards the unconventional artistic lifestyle that is way beyond his corporate comfort zone.

Meanwhile, the movie introduces another lead character, Maddy (played by Jenny Shimizu), who is John's childhood friend. She's an aspiring photographer with a complicated sequencing of lovers, with her life as a mixed bag of emotions and ambitions. Upon her unplanned meeting with John, she feels compelled by her bond with him to understand his dilemma, while trying to deal with her personal intimate upheavals. Maddy offers a stark contrast to John, with her lifestyle embedded in the artistic landscapes and her unabashed frankness about her sexual orientation.

Much of the movie is about these characters navigating their own emotional turmoil while trying to figure out their relationship with each other. The supporting characters add depth to the narrative and create diverse scenarios of modern dating dilemmas, complications of the LGBTQ+ community, and the unending journeys of liberation from societal norms. We follow John's journey into the world of LA's gay subculture, presented in a nuanced way that is at once realistic and empathetic. We see him straining against societal norms and traditional masculine roles, grappling with himself in the solitude of uncertainty.

The Art of Being Straight illuminates several explorations, one of which is a really unique take on the 'straight-gay' dynamic. The film does not shy away from challenging conventional ideas about sexuality and gender identity. John's struggle to define his sexuality and to come out to his family and friends is at once heart-wrenching and relatable. The "coming-of-age" aspect of the film transcends the typical genre, adapting more of a "coming-of-truth" narrative that exudes authenticity and insight into its viewers.

Jesse Rosen's direction is particularly laudable; he confidently leads the audience down a path that gradually unravels the layers of his much-flawed but lovable characters. Despite his characters being often confused and misguided, he gives them dimensionality and believability. Visual storytelling is one of the film's strong points, making it an enjoyable and engaging watch.

The featured actors offer standout performances, curating their traumas, joys, and uncertainties in a convincing manner. Jesse Janzen gives an earnest performance, oscillating between his character's internal chaos and external charisma with ease and grace. Jenny Shimizu's portrayal of an ambitious artist ensnared in her jumbled relationships speaks volumes of the complexities of human nature and the romantic labyrinth.

The Art of Being Straight is an honest, confronting, and sometimes uncomfortable examination of the subtleties of human relationships and sexuality. It pushes the audience to question societal norms and to redefine personal identities. Ambiguous on the surface, yet layered with insightful narratives, the movie can be considered as a thought-provoking conversation starter on topics often considered taboo. This film, with its bold screenplay, impressive performances, and realistic undertones, makes for an engaging watch for those interested in dramas that are fresh, original, and leave lasting impressions.