George Wilson, Writer, Director

Shown to an invited audience at the International Moving Image Society (IMIS) evening for LGBTQI filmmakers and short films, “Made to be Men” is a sensitive and focussed view into the impossibility of Gay relationships during the Second World War. A patrol of British foot soldiers are on reconnaissance work somewhere in France led by a snarling, bullying and unprofessional Lieutenant  (Rad Brown). William (Simon Stallard) is particularly subject to the Lieutenant’s sneering and undermining attention, Tommy (Michael Szpunt) “I’ve got a girlfriend!!” initially rejects but subsequently embraces William’s clumsy advances. These three are central to the action and give excellent and engaging complimentary performances within the short ten minute span allowed by the films brevity. The beauty of short film making.

 

George Wilson’s economical and perceptive direction allows us to enter what must have been the real World for soldiers serving under these circumstances. There is little in the way of high drama, apart from a single attack from an enemy aircraft, no impassioned encounters (apart also from the stolen and rejected kiss and a fully clothed night together) yet here is love and compassion beautifully portrayed by George Wilson told with feeling and insight. It is the very everyday nature of the encounter that makes the proposal in the film work so well. These are no high dramatic performances just furtive glances and half choked commentary.

 

The skills needed of a short filmmaker, in telling an enthralling and believable full story with realism and even hope but in a very limited time are fully on show in George Wilson’s beautiful short film. This offering deserves to do well on the Festival circuit where it is sure to find a sympathetic audience. The entire experience of the film is also stunningly backed by a truly excellent and enthralling original score by Rupert Egerton-Smith. Credit also due to original camera work by Alex Sadler and some good sound recording, under what must have been difficult conditions, by Jack Quinn and Ruby Hornsey.

George Wilson is another in a strong breed of modern short-film makers who is sure to have a future in the industry. We look forward to hearing more from his director.

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