Manège

About This Movie

So, 'Manège' is a fascinating piece from 1986 that dives deep into the life of Max, a 40-year-old gay man. It’s set against the backdrop of Parisian railway stations, which adds this gritty yet romantic atmosphere. The way he stalks his 'prey' and leads them to the Bois de Boulogne really pulls you into the psychological nuances of desire and loneliness. It's slow-paced, almost languid, but that gives it a haunting quality. The performances feel quite raw and unfiltered, adding to the overall tension. A key note is how this short film serves as a precursor to his later work, 'La chatte à deux têtes'; you can see the seeds of ideas that blossom in his later narratives. Definitely an interesting watch for those into the evolution of LGBTQ cinema.

Explores themes of desire and loneliness.Set in the atmospheric railway stations of Paris.Precursor to the director's later works, particularly in LGBTQ cinema.