A Review of UNDRESSING ISRAEL: GAY MEN IN THE PROMISED LAND

Executive Director of PhillyGayCalendar


I believe that the art of film, like a painting or music, can evoke almost any emotion in humans, arousing us in all sorts of ways; laughter, tears and maybe a fantasy or two. Film is a medium like no other. Film is probably the most important art form of the last century.

This documentary, by Michael Lucas of Lucas Documentaries and Breaking Glass Pictures, has been making the film festival circuit since its debut at the 2013 Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. The film has enjoyed a run of acclaim and in my opinion, with good cause.  When I reviewed UNDRESSING ISRAEL: GAY MEN IN THE PROMISED LAND, I was expecting another documentary about “coming out” and all that goes with it in the year 2013. I was totally delighted to find myself watching a happy report on joyful, comfortable and handsome Israeli men talking about their successful lives in Tel Aviv, living life in the open, serving in the military (compulsory) honestly, loving, marrying, having children and simply being who they are. What a fucking concept!

Although the film occasionally is mired in what are perceived (by Israelis) misconceptions concerning Israel itself, always at war, crazy religious costumes and people on camels, the true message of the film is the difference between Tel Aviv and much of the world in its acceptance of Gay men, not so much acceptance as just being allowed to be their own type of “normal”.

Since all Israeli’s men and women are required to serve in the military, a “don’t ask/don’t tell” structure cannot work like it once did in the United States and much of the world. The military is, like the rest of this remarkable country, a pioneer in Gay integration and equality.

Israel is often thought of in terms of missiles and prayers. Mr. Lucas’s task was to introduce the side of Israel that is too often overlooked: it’s thriving Gay community. The film features interviews with a remarkably good looking and diverse group of local men, including a member of Parliament, a trainer who served openly in the Army, a young Arab-Israeli journalist and a pair of dads raising their kids. Lucas also visits Tel Aviv’s vibrant nightlife scene and even visits a same-sex wedding.

One handsome, ebony-curled fellow interviewed points out that Tel Aviv has few “Gay Bars” because all bars, restaurants, hotels and the like are simply open and welcoming for everyone. As I said in my blog about California Wine Country, asking if some places are Gay Friendly is like asking that of the U-Bar or Woodies.

When we watch a film, our experience and state of mind comes into play always.  While I sincerely do believe that Mr. Lucas’ ambition is to tell a very positive story of Gay acceptance in Israel, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and the rest of Israel are sometimes completely different entities. Certainly San Francisco and Tulsa, Oklahoma would have entirely different versions of being a Gay man in America. This documentary does not dwell on the possible “stoning” one might encounter in some parts of Israel, but to me this is unimportant. As more and more countries go out of their way to proclaim their desire to accept Gay men and women for every wonderful thing that we are, it personally touches me very deeply.

The story is told in a casual conversational form by some very hot looking Israeli men. I am certainly all for that but possibly a more mature and not quite so beautiful man or two might have been more realistic. While it is true Tel Aviv is very attractive to younger Israeli’s and other young men in Europe, Asia and the rest of the middle east, this film somehow shows only masculine “model” types, not that I am complaining. Even the drag queen is femininely attractive and could pass for another very pretty girl on the street. I’m getting picky here but I suppose that is my job.

THE BOTTOM LINE: I would sincerely recommend the film to anyone interested in the evolution of Gay Equality in the Middle East. It also shows the importance of national policies for LGBT men and women as opposed to the U.S. and our “state-rights bullshit.” The story could not be told 20 years ago and in many parts of the world would be difficult to imagine 20 years hence. The important thing is that it is happening, too slowly for the young and unbelievably rapidly for the more mature (like me). I suppose this is why I found much of the piece very touching, heart-felt and true. I seldom cry at movies (since Bambi or Brian’s Song) but this one made my eyes well up on occasion and really got me thinking that anything is possible. Stephen Sondheim wrote a song from an odd sort of musical (Anyone Can Whistle) called “There Won’t be Trumpets”. I find myself humming that as I finish this review.

DO NOT MISS THIS FILM! It’s not long (about 40 minutes) but, long enough to make an unforgettable point and a true pleasure to watch.

Shalom!

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