A review of Arthur J. Bressan Jr.’s film Daddy Dearest with Daniel Holt, a film that blends desire and nostalgia.

Arthur J. Bressan Jr. occupies a unique place in the world of gay cinema. A sort of melancholic cousin of Wakefield Poole, he turns gay adult cinema into a canvas for romantic obsessions, often steeped in melancholy and nostalgia. While it does not rank among this director’s greatest films, such as Passing Strangers or Forbidden Letters, Daddy Dearest shares the same charm, careful direction and themes dear to Bressan.

A director between fiction, desire and memories

We follow Edward (the magnificent mustachioed Daniel Holt, whom we had already fallen for in Joe Gage’s film 501), a director of adult films who is about to begin a new shoot. As we can guess, its story is inspired by his personal life: the life of a naughty young man (Dean Johnson), turned upside down when he meets a daddy with whom he will share more than a brief interlude of pleasure (Richard Locke). Edward’s life and his cinema overlap, just as the film itself holds up a mirror to Bressan Jr.

As he lets himself be carried away by the heat of the cast, with very motivated models (Dean Johnson and Andrew Dupree) and daddy star Richard Locke, Edward still seems somewhat elsewhere. And for good reason: he thinks a great deal about his ex, Bob (Johnny Dawes). In his creative imagination and fantasies, this ex remains everywhere. The only thing that seems to distract Ed is his two neighbours across the way: a gay couple who seem to be having a good time in bed (played by the sizzling Jan Boscamp and Robert Vega). Ed enjoys spying on them with his binoculars and would very much like to join them… The film takes us through Edward’s daily life, the course of his shoot and his journey toward a possible new romance.

Sensitive direction between nostalgia, fantasies and romance

Fairly short (1 hour 15 minutes), Daddy Dearest gets straight to the point and does not necessarily have the scope of its director’s most cult works. Yet, notably through beautiful flashbacks, we find the timeless, nostalgic beauty of his cinema, far more sensitive than it may seem, without neglecting desire. Body and heart often come together here; the slightest fantasy is embodied and animated by something deeper. We find Bressan’s recurring motif of young men attracted to daddies. The feature film also offers a few fine cinematic ideas and effects, including a hit of poppers perfectly rendered on screen.

But above all, what we will remember here is Daniel Holt, very charming and endearing, who gives substance and depth to his character without needing much. He is magnetic and moving from beginning to end.

Film produced in 1984 and available on the Pinklabel platform

Other films about melancholy and nostalgia

• Equation with an Unknown
• The Idol
• Adam & Yves
• Remember I am dead