I'm happy to report that "The Fluffer" is an excellent film, perhaps the best gay themed drama of this or any other year. I was surprised too, because the film deals with obsessive love and we all know how often gay themed obsessive love stories are way too over-the-top and angst-ridden. "The Fluffer" manages to deal with the love/obsession story here with biting wit, gentle drama and an understated honesty and realism that makes it ring true without ever becoming maudlin or overly emotional.

The story concerns Sean, a young, bright, and, most importantly, somewhat experienced guy who goes to LA to get into filmmaking. He finds himself obsessing with porn star Johnny Rebel (Scott Gurney) and, having few other employment opportunities, applying for work at Man of Janus productions, the company that produces Rebel's porn films. The important thing here is that Sean gets into the situation here with eyes somewhat wide open. He's no inexperienced farm boy or "victim." He may be a slightly innocent, but he's a fully sentient gay man (who identifies himself as bisexual). He's real.

Reminding one of "Trick," the film also pays homage to classic films like "The Graduate," "The 400 Blows" and other films with subtle cinematic wit and charm. Many are apt to be reminded of "Boogie Nights" here, especially the press and critics, but that influence is only relevant in the close chronology of the film's release and in the setting of the porn industry. Director Washington Westmoreland (best known as Wash West), who wrote the script and called in director Richard Glatzer ("Grief"), his boyfriend, to help him helm here, comes from a porn background. He knows what he's talking about. He incorporates numerous little sidebars and anecdotes into the film to give it a sense of verisimilitude. When minor characters are given a chance to share a part of their story, the pieces add up to a vibrant and heartfelt look at an industry few have experienced, one that is as often denounced as it is glamourized. West works wonders here. And his ability to keep the tension high and the story engrossing without ever resorting to contrived drama is quite wonderful.

The actors in the piece, particularly Michael Cunio, as Sean and Gurney as Rebel, have remarkable talent and chemistry. There are some daring choices made here and everyone lives up to expectations twofold. Sean's sense of genuine wonder and amusement at his newfound profession is quite charming while his more serious feelings for the shallow Rebel remind each of us of the lust we have felt for such young men. Meanwhile, Gurney, as Rebel, offers up an Adonis physique while still displaying just enough character and smoldering sensuality to boomerang effectively off Cunio's Sean.

But the real find in the film is Roxanne Day ("CSI") as dancer Babylon, Rebel's girlfriend. Her performance here will surely garner rave reviews and place her in the upper echelon of female actors in indie roles. Smart, sassy, sexy and yet graceful and vulnerable, her Babylon drinks in the world with vast soulful eyes and quickly covers the hurt with proud intensity. This is an actress to look out for.

Veterans like Robert Walden, Taylor Negron, Debby Harry and Richard Riehle really surprise us with there spectacular turns. Walden ("Lou Grant," "Brothers") is a particular standout in a role that requires him to be quite edgy. It's compelling work. Westmoreland also uses porn stars in minor roles, generally playing themselves.

"The Fluffer" is the perfect gay film. That title will get butts in the seats. And those who come will find a rich and rewarding story filled with vivid characters. The performances and filmmaking presented here should be remembered for a long time to come. Do not miss this film.

Notes:

Also with Adina Porter, Ruben Madera and Josh Holland. And with Zach Richards, Derek Cameron, Chad Donovan, Thomas Lloyd, Chi Chi LaRue, Karen Dior, Bradley Picklesheimer, Louis Re, Jay Lyons, Chris Green, Ron Jeremy, and Cole Tucker as themselves.

LaRue and several porn stars and gender-bending performance artists have a band which preforms a cover of The Runaway's classic "Cherry Bomb" in the film.

Cunio and Gurney made a conscious effort not to get too close on set so that the tension between them on screen would remain high.

West's porn films include "Naked Highway" and "Devil is a Bottom."

Preview in Austin presented by the Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival.

Report Card Script: A Acting: A- Cinematography\Lighting: B+ Special Effects\Make Up: A+ Music: A Final Grade: A

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