Free Fall - Freier Fall

[morrobay]

The forest scene: I still think it was the intention of the movie makers to give the impression that Marc was leading Kay's hand in a certain direction, but you are right again about the left/right hand. Probably this scene is shot in parts and from different sides and I think this happens all the time when making movies, without the viewers noticing this.
Good that you did. Ik could see this a thousend times without noticing.
However, of course you could be right and the intention is diffent.
Curious what others will think when they watched the movie.
It's a little detail but in my opinion important how to interpret. It's quite a difference: Kay puts his hand in Marc's pants because Marc "asked" him to or Kay puts his hand in Marc's pants despite Marc tried to push him away.

I think you’re right, it’s just in how each person views it.  And yes, the scene is shot from different angles, and who knows how many takes they did to get the shots they wanted.  If he did or didn’t make that move, he was still clearly terribly conflicted by what was happening: did he want it to happen, or did he want Kay to take the responsibility for it happening, so he could tell himself he had no choice?

Then another thing. I was wondering why Marc was back in the training camp. But could it be possible that he was doing that run test at that moment (at the end of the movie)?

Yes, Vincent also brought this up.  I assumed the police used the academy track and gym for training; there’s no way to know if the academy was near where he was stationed, or some distance apart.  

One other thing about the scene in Kay's apartment. After Kay told Marc he loved him, they wrapped their arms around each other and kissed. At a certain moment Marc put's his tongue in Kay's mouth and to me it looked like if Max withdrew his head, as if he was shocked a little (like: hey fellow, take it easy). Curious what you think.

This is where I asked if, when Kay pulls back, he nods his head, as if to say “Yes, I love you”.  I’ve watched it a few more times, but it’s still not really clear to me, so I guess it could be wishful thinking on my part.  

About Max: on youtube I found a nice video. Is from a few years ago, but I liked it anyway. You see pieces of several movies and interviews and all comments are in English. When you search for Kino the German film magazin you will find it. From 14.20 it's about babyface max

Thank you for finding the youtube clip with English translation, I found it, done when he was 24 – adorable.  And great to see the movie clips.  The one of him playing a junkie – WOW!  Powerful acting.  He's very talented, I hope to see more of his movies.  

[mariska]

Do you know there's a free fall facebook page?
So many great reactions to the movie from people all over the world.
And so many want a sequel.

I picked this one out (originally in German):


"Do we get a continuation of the movie? The whole world discusses about if there will be one? We would welcome a continuation and also strongly hope for it. The movie is just great, great job guys

I also read an interview with Stephan Lacant. Many people asked him for a sequel, some want Marc to go after Kay and others want Marc to go back to Bettina.
Well, I have the impression that everybody wants Marc to go after Kay.

It would be interesting to think about what Marc would do if this was real life.
Somehow I feel that going back to Bettina wouldn't work anymore. Of course there will always be a connection with Bettina because she is the mother of his child.
If I were in Marc's position, the situation with Kay would feel like "not over yet". I would contact him (if I would have the courage) en then see what happens.

About the nodling, I'm not sure either.

Another interesting question I found on the internet about the love scene in the bed: how did the actors do that? Did they wear unvisible underwear or what?
Or is it the camerawork that makes them look nude?
I think: they were really nude. Youcan  see it when Max turns around.
Those two are so dedicated to make everyting as authentic as possible, they just did it. With a little help from a bottle of Vodka (liike the interview said en they mentioned it again in the audio comments).

[morrobay]

I'm not on Facebook, so I can't see the comments, but I'm not surprised.

I wonder if Lacant and the actors would consider it, I think it could be very successful.  If they do, they should definitely release it in theatres in the US, not just at queer film festivals.  I think it would appeal to a much larger audience if it was promoted.

Yeah, Marc could never go back to Bettina - and I'm sure she wouldn't have him back.  

There are a few fanfiction stories out there already, some are good, some not so good.  As you said, so many people weren't happy with the ending, so some are taking to writing their own ending, most involve Marc looking up Kay and going to him.

Yeah, naked.  They are.  I thought I read somewhere, can't remember where, that Hanno had it in his contract for no frontal nudity - I guess Max was a little more, uh, ok with that.  He's all about authenticity and integrity in his work - he's pretty damn authentic.  I'm surprised that a star of his caliber in Germany would agree to that. 

[gattaca]

Do you agree with some of reviews out there, that this was “abuse” or “almost rape”?  I find that a particularly offensive comparison.  But yes, he is freaked out by his own desires for Kay.  I found it interesting that, unlike Ennis, he is able to look Kay in the eye, even after something so intimate.  

On the forest scene, first encounter, no (my opinion) on the "almost rape" and the same on  Marc being "sexually assaulted"   (though someone with a legal license may argue differently).

Marc is MORE  than capable of punching Kay  (we saw later) and/or defending himself as we saw with Gregor.  It's not like Kay had Marc pinned down, hog-tied, chained, roped, wire-tied or physically bound in any way by walls etc..  The shoves and push backs from Marc were him trying to decide whether what he thought was happening was happening from Kay.   Would Kay back track this time and go "just joking around.  Sorry, chill out"  as he did with the joint exchange earlier after running at the rock OR  would Kay really show his hand (ok...) and let his intentions and desires for Marc be known.  

It seems it would be quite difficult to jerk off a guy who is standing and who really does not want the hand job. There are simply too many escape routes available.  A punch would have been a firmer no but we did not see that.  Cheers, V.

[gattaca]

As for the birthing class, since I was so invested in the relationship between the 2 men, it took me a few viewings to realize that he was there to learn how to “breathe evenly” with Bettina.

This was a great catch.  I missed it too until you pointed it out. Both lovers were trying to teach Marc to "breath evenly..." wow. nice.  V.

[gattaca]

Again with the time line, we don’t really know how long it took to get there.  He is very relaxed, seems totally giving (which I loved) – until they get out of bed.  Although the scene on the balcony is lovely and Kay seems to be totally in love (the way he looks at him! *sigh*), Marc is more reserved, more detached.  “Ever want to leave it all behind and start over?”  “Not really.”  It’s like he’s using Kay.

Yes.  This is where we see again the selfish side of Marc.. me, not really.  that was cold.  V.

[gattaca]

What did you think of the club scene?  I didn’t like it at first, but now I love it!  They’re both kind of dorky out there, but they look so cute and in love.  Even Marc, rubbing Kay’s shoulder and his hand on his neck; and he’s having so much fun!  Something he’s not having at home anymore.  When Kay brings out the pills, I thought it was Viagra so they could make love all night, but consensus is it’s xtc, and I guess that’s right.  Kay is such a bad influence!
In the locker room, Kay does seem to be an outsider; but I didn't interpret Marc's look at Kay as checking to see if he's happy for him.  I thought Marc was wondering how it affected Kay, maybe one of the few times Marc actually thought of Kay's feelings.  IDK, I could be wrong.

The club scene, while I get it, maybe I'm just too old but they felt a bit out of place.  I always pictured the club scenes, and from the ones I've seen, to cater to the younger crowds.  Both Marc and Kay, at least for me, seem in the late 20's and a bit more mature to need the "clubbing"...  I think this was done for effect to show how far Kay could coax Marc into shifting.. ..perhaps? 

Yes, I can see your point about the locker room.. is this birth celebration hurting Kay?  But I felt, knowing what we've seen it was more Marc concerned about Marc.. V.

[gattaca]

Very well put.  Did the director put Limpinski next to Marc on purpose?  On the same side?  And Britt.  I liked her character.

Yes.  To show the hate and disdain seated right beside you.. that would be directed to Marc once he learned Marc's circumstances.. V.

[gattaca]

I didn’t think she said she failed in raising him.  She said she “didn’t raise him to be like that.”  Which kind of doesn’t make sense to me.  What hetero couple would raise their kid to be gay?  Or straight, for that matter.  What I mean is, you can't raise a child to be one way or another.
Yes, he did finally get a bit of a backbone and came down pretty hard on her.  And how did he get home?  He took a taxi to the hospital, he should have taken one home, instead of calling his mom. 

From my POV, that's implied... if you turned out like this, then we failed in "raising you right".. I've been on the receiving side of similar conversations and it was clear to me what she was implying.   I agree, you hope your kids find your own way but in areas where there is only ONE way, once word gets out that the kids did not turn out "right..." then the community automatically wonders WTH did the parents not do for their kids.. implying failure. 

Not sure about how he got home.. seems a Taxi would be likely.   I find it difficult to believe he would have gotten back in that car at that time.  V.

[gattaca]

To me, this is the “short dirty fight” that Ennis picks with the guy in the pick-up, after Thanksgiving dinner at Alma’s, when she tells him she knows the truth.
As for Limpinski: Is he a latent homosexual?   The scene in the bar is strange.  Is he trying to recreate his time with Kay?  Why take x?  He was not a drug guy by any means, and it doesn’t work that fast, he was on that guy in a second.  One thing I did not like was when he raised his fist to hit the guy; another place where the director took it right to the edge and brought it back.

Not sure about Limpinski - nice choice for a name aye?   There have been studies I've read which implies those exhibiting the most strong homophobic behaviors may be latent..  Yes on the BBM scene with Ennis punching the guy thru the truck window - raging anger.  
The bar scene (to me) is Marc's uber desperate attempt to replace Kay's touch or feeling with another lover... he's grown fond (enjoyed)  the experience. It is there, in the stall with the other guy, that he realizes it is ALL gone.. Kay is gone, Bettina is gone and a blow job by a stranger is not and never will be Kay.  I sort of flashed to the Jack "Tell you what" scene at the tent with Ennis the last time they were together - though there's no one for Marc to tell..  Marc's experiences with X or most substances seemed very sheltered / limited (back to the parents...) and only have been with Kay.  Yes the raised fist is symbolic of Marc fighting / anger with himself but then realizes he can leave.. back to the forest.. only this time he does leave  V.