‘Weekend’ turns up the heat at the movie theater this fall

Andrew Haigh’s gay romance Weekend invites viewers to eavesdrop on the budding relationship between Russell (Tom Cullen) and Glen (Chris New). They meet at a club one night and spend the night together. And then the next day, and the next night and the next day.

Glen is an artist with a queer political bent. Russell is subdued, an everyman who just wants to be happy. Their conversations are often poignant and sometimes heated. Haigh films these men in a documentary-like fashion in Russell’s apartment, or chatting idly on public transit.

Yet the filmmaker’s intimate, fly-on-the-wall approach, along with the actors’ strong performances, provide the key to the film’s emotional power. Weekend invites viewers to bask in the pleasure of the two men sharing a bicycle ride, or sense the emotion behind their frequent physical contact. As Glen and Russell go through the familiar rituals of dating – particularly not wanting to say goodbye to an attractive potential new boyfriend – audiences will become invested in the relationship, perhaps to the same degree that the two men fall for each other. And the film’s poignant finale is sure to jerk tears from more than a few viewers.

The actors are both fantastic in their roles. Handsome without being too pretty, they seem perfectly comfortable and natural together. Cullen nicely underplays his part; a scene at his goddaughter’s birthday party belies his desires to be with Glen. New is particularly charismatic and irresistible. Watching these men connect is simply magical.

In this exclusive interview, openly gay actor, Chris New, talks about making the film, the racy sex scenes and his favorite way to spend the weekend.

You are very charming as Glen. How did you approach the character?

We tried to make Glen as rounded as possible – not one-note, or aggressive. Andrew (Haigh, director) let me bring my own kind of sense of humor to him. I enjoy the absurd, the strange little things in life.

How much of the film was improvised?

It’s hard to say what was in the script and what we improvised. It would be interesting to look at the original script now. We were very in the moment, and did lots of versions. Because we were shooting in sequence, we could do that and not worry about saying something that we’d already shot.

How did you develop your rapport with your co-star Tom?

We didn’t do any specific techniques. The main things we did is try to relax around each other. The relationship on the set wasn’t one to one/one on one, but a three-way between Andrew, Tom and I.

So you discussed everything right down to, well, who’s on top in the sex scenes?

You do have to discuss [who’s on top] when you’re doing a film with intimacy. The characterization of sexuality as it’s discussed in the film – each character has a way they like to take part in sex – speaks to where they are in the world, and what’s in their heads as well. Because we were relaxed, there were no tensions when [the camera] rolled. That’s what made some of the more interesting moments in the film, when we create a nice chemistry.

Is Tom your type?

No. He’s completely the opposite, sadly. Which made it kind of easier actually. [Laughs] But he’s got quite a fan club now the film’s been released. Apparently, he’s lots of people’s type.

Why do you think Glen and Russell are attracted to each other?

I think as with a lot of relationships, it’s the accidental challenges that make it work. They say the right thing, in the right frame of mind to each other. Their personalities … the timing is right. You are ready to have that experience.

Can you discuss the scene in which Russell and Glen blow coke in each other’s mouths?

That’s something that an actor I’ve worked with used to do so he didn’t get a snotty nose if he needed to work that day. So we just did it and it ended up being used in the film. The coke was incredible – it was glucose powder. It’s like raw sugar, but it actually got us really, really high. We were in quite a state by the end of that day’s shooting. It’s cheap – you can buy a flour-sized bag for 1.50 euros.

What can you disclose about the sex scenes? The film is so real they didn’t seem simulated. [Laughs] They weren’t real. They seemed real because we didn’t show that much. So people believe it because of the intimacy we created.

Glen talks about getting caught wanking off to Rupert Graves’ nude scene in A Room with a View. Do you imagine guys wanking off to your nudity in Weekend? [Laughs so hard he has to catch his breath]. Breathe! Hardly! I’d be very surprised. If they want to have a go at a frozen screen, fine. Good luck!

There are scenes where Glen and Russell bond over coming out stories. Can you discuss your coming out?

My coming out was exactly timed when I came out of the womb. I was “If anyone has a problem – it’s their problem!” I was lucky. I am stubborn. I came out of the womb knowing I was going to be an actor and a homosexual. I don’t know why I knew it, but I did.

Why do you think it’s important to be an openly gay actor?

There’s no reason not to be. If I miss out on a job, then I won’t know about it. My first agent told me not to tell the press I was gay, but I was in Bent so I fired him.

What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend? [Laughs]. Not sure … Usually in bed. If you’ve got a good bed, life’s good. I’m a very hermit like person. I just stay in. I’m the homebody. Not a very sexy answer is it?

Well, I will just say that you are naked when you spend time in your bed! [Laughs.]

‘Weekend’ plays Oct. 14 at the Colfax Denver Film Center.

On the Web at http://denverfilm.org.