Customer Reviews

Eban and Charley

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(9)

 

 

What a lovely film this is. Despite its occasional pacing problems and some awkward line readings, the film's heart and the director's loving attention to the way people look and don't look at each other, shine through. I was surprised at how accessible and sympathetic the story was. Although I've never had a relationship of this sort, the idea has always fascinated me. There were moments when I could feel the filmmakers pushing the boundaries of what we will accept in our entertainment, but they never crossed that line. They never exploited the sensitive subject matter -- or either of the romantic leads -- to produce a political statement about taboos or societal norms. Perhaps most appealing to me was the naturalistic acting style (Eban and Charley and some of the supporting characters seemed like they were selected off the street one weekend and started filming the next). There are moments of protracted silence during which the story moves forward only through the interplay between Eban and Charley's eyes. And what beautiful eyes they are. Terrific casting, with all the needed chemistry that ensues. Restrained, careful, and provocative. Highly recommended.

A lot of people may have issue with this movie because of it's content (an adult begins a relationship with a minor), but you really shouldn't let the actual story dictate your opinion of how good the movie is. To do that would be like saying that "Silence Of The Lambs" is a horrible movie because Hannibal Lechter kills people! That's not a good way to review a movie.

This movie tells the story of an immature young man who returns to his parents house under some mysterious circumstances. Soon after arriving, he befriends a teen whose mother has recently passed away. The teen lives with his unloving, cruel father. It's obvious how the story ultimately unfolds: the teen falls in love with the young man and trouble begins when their respective families find out what's going on. However, this rather predictable story takes an unpredictable turn. You don't really want the couple to continue with their relationship because you know it's wrong, yet you sort of do (but with extreme reservations!)

This low budget affair seemed like a foreign movie when I first turned it on, but alas, it's not. No subtitles! It's in English! The acting, direction, and writing is all top notch. The movie looks like it was shot directly on to videotape, yet the cinematographer (if there even was one) still manages to convey enough imagery through cold, rainy weather to give you the sort of feeling you need to have when watching a movie like this. The director tells the story concisely, and wisely avoids any meandering, boring added details that would have just detracted from what is here. There are too many movies made these days that are just unnecessarily way too long.

There are a lot of good gay independent features, and there are a lot of bad ones. This is one of the good ones, and if you are a fan of gay cinema, you'll probably think it's good. I do hesitate to say that "you'll enjoy it"... it's not that kind of movie! But it is well done.

"Eban and Charley," written and directed by James Bolton, is a gay love story that treads into taboo waters. The film tells the story of Eban (played by Brent Fellows), a 29-year old teacher who has recently returned home to live with his parents. He strikes up a friendship with Charley (Giovanni Andrade), a 15-year old boy with a very troubled home life. As their relationship grows more intimate, the two have to deal with the legal and societal ramifications of the relationship.

"E&C" has a low-budget, indie feel that goes very well with the intimate story. Fellows and Andrade are very effective in the challenging lead roles; Andrade in particular is heartbreaking as Charley deals with the joy and pain of his unconventional love.

Some of the dialogue is a bit too preachy and stagy, and some scenes seem a bit too melodramatic and contrived. But overall "E&C" is a well-made film that raises some troubling issues.

As much as I admired the craftsmanship that went into this film, I am still disturbed by its ambiguous message and characterizations. Is a 15-year old really capable of giving consent to an intimate relationship with an adult? Should we see Eban as a dangerous predator, or a misunderstood nice guy? Does the film romanticize a type of relationship that can be very painful and destructive? In the final analysis, "E&C" is a film that is thought-provoking and ultimately quite moving.

Having bought this movie on the advice of others i felt it a good chance for me to offer the same advice.
Buy or hire this movie. It is an interesting topic this film covers, that of relationships between two guys of vastly differnt ages, including 1 15 year old.
The director has approached this topic with a deal of grace second to none. The story is a little slow but it really tugs at the heart strings. I reccomend it to anyone gay or straight, it proves that love does really counquer all.

This film may be a little risque' in its subject....a 29 year old gay man falling in love with a 15 year old gay kid. But it is handled so sensitively, thanks to the performances of the leads...who invariably make one absolutely believe that their love for one another is genuine and not pedophilic, not taboo. The direction is slow paced but it works because of the restrained acting.

Brent Fellows and Giovanni Andrade project sympathy and one totally understands their feeling for each other. The soundtrack boasts some moody pieces and poignant touches which is an enhancement.

I enjoyed the film immensely and have watched it several times! It is touching and charming. You will root for Eban and Charley!

The only flaw I find in it is its 88 minute running time. It should have been longer.

On the one hand, I thought the film was slow, the acting was at times good, at times forced, the story a little too timely, yet not really because there are no clergy involved, the supporting characters too black & white. On the other hand, the film was kind of hypnotic and dreamy, the emotions were fairly real between the two main characters, and the subject, while considered a taboo, was able to provoke a questioning of that taboo. A kind -of -mature 15 yr.old falling in love with a sort of not-so -mature 29yr.old. I believed it in this film. There was an underlying urgency and honesty in the relationship, two apparently damaged people needing what the other has to give. Not as good a piece of cinema as L.I.E., but strong enough to not let you hold onto your preconceived notions about intergenerational romance. There is no actual sex on screen, but there are expressions of emotion with the characters in their underwear that may make some viewers feel uncomfortable. But approach with an open mind. If this were a heterosexual retelling of Lolita, what would the preconceived notions be? Or if Eban was 34 and Charly was 20? I'm glad for films that make people stop and question their own ideas. I think I may need to watch this film again to see where my feelings are.

" I dont think age should matter if your love "; says Charley 15 to his lover Eban age 29.
The film starts off with Eban comming home to his parents house in Seaside Oregon during the Christmas holiday ( I thought something was up with this scene); while visiting a record store ( do we still call them that ?)he spys a young man Charley,who is purchasing a CD. The next scene has Eban going into a resturant to order a latte; " we only have coffee ". Eban see Charley at at table and ask if he can join him; soon one of Charley's friends, Kevin ( whos deaf ) enters and the two leave. Next we see Eban riding his bike thru town and joins Charlie near the boardwalk which afterwile Eban asks for a date and Charlie agrees, and watches Eban ride away on his bike ( is there some mutal intrest here ?). On there date they walk on the beach and return to Charlie's room were they undress down to there underwear to let them dry. On the second date they both go bicycling and return again to undress to let their clothes dry but Charlie sits next to Eban and........... sorry can't explain more or I will spoil the movie. I can tell you that a relationship is growing between the two and both parents find out. Charlie's dad is an ex-airforce officer and a real jerk. "take off that s--t" referring to Charlie's fingernail polish and dad holds back money for the mothers insurance, that was meant for his son (she was killed by a drunk driver the previous year). With tensions growing between father and son, Charlie seeks comfort in the arms of Eban all the while avoiding either parent(s). Forced to make a decision, the movies climatic ending is worth seeing. although the the film is not up to hollywoods standards, this doesn't distract from its touching and tender moments. Editing is a bit choppy but I loved this film all the same. Though the subject matter is controversial at best, it shows the flip side of a boy in love with an older man and wanting his company. I suggest you purchase this and view this as an alternative love story

I really enjoyed this film. It's about consentual love between two males. I know it is not everyones type of film. Some folks I know are upset about the age difference, like maybe 30 years ago the same was said about a black/white relationship. Charley is not forced into a relationship and is a 15 year old that makes up his own mind. It's a small indie film, character driven. That's nice after so many razzle dazzle special effects films. A welcome edition to my dvd collection.

Great DVD, brought back many memories. A must to any respectable collector.

While most reviews to-date focus on the author's opinion on adult-adolescent relationships in general or on the romance displayed in "Eban and Charley", it might be useful to consider how Eban and Charley managed themselves through the movie.

Twenty-nine-year old Eban (played by Brent Fellows), carrying a duffel bag and a guitar, takes a train home (filmed in Seaside, Oregon). Eban is ostensibly taking his Christmas vacation from his job in Seattle coaching (junior?) high school soccer. In fact the school had fired him quietly for an inappropriate relationship with a student. Curiously, the school chose to tell Eban's father (played by Ron Upton), who keeps it to himself for a while. Eban hangs on to a photo of the student and glances longingly at it from time to time. Eban does have to remake himself.

Riding a bike around town, Eban stops at a CD store where soon-to-be fifteen-year old Charley (played by Giovanni Andrade) is shopping with his deaf-mute friend, Kevin (played by Drew Zeller). Eban strikes up several conversations with Charley. They share an interest in guitar playing, drawing, and poetry. Charley's mother died recently, and his father (played by Nolan V. Chard) is actively dating and seems unsupportive to Charley. Eban and Charley become friends. At this point the audience can suspect Eban being a classic ephebephile.

Then the dynamic changes. Charley emerges as the more driven character, the one with the vision. Eban settles back into a passive role, like the more classic female romance character who first hooks her man and later lets him feel in command. Charley drives the action forward. In their tasteful make-out scene, Charley is on top, kissing and groping Eban, who just lies there.

A parallel story shows Charley's girl friend Sunshine (played by Ellie Nicholson), who claims people have only one chance at happiness. She is going to take hers by running away with Kevin. Charley is very interested in the details. Are there an ultimate purpose, a destination, economic support, and safety from pursuit? Charley even gives her some money from the cache his mother left behind to him and which his father wants for bill payments.

When Eban and Charley's fathers start actively disapproving, some decisions need making.

Should Eban and Charley stop seeing each other?

If Eban moved home for good, how would they circumvent family and other resistance?

If Charley moved to Seattle, how would Eban support him? Would Charley have to contribute? What about Charley's schooling? What about Eban's former love interest? What about a future Eban love interest? What if an official from Eban's former school sees Eban and Charley together? How many hours would it take for Charley's father to get Eban arrested?

If they moved abroad, where to? What about passports and visas? What about money?

At this point someone has to be the adult. Charley presents a vision but now delegates it to Eban to figure out the mechanics. Big John of "L.I.E." could sort it out. Is Eban up to it?

The acting is good, suiting the characters and their ages. The script is straightforward. The romance feels dreamy and poetic, while the camera keeps a sharper focus.

The movie ends with a hopeful feeling, but isn't it a fool's paradise?