Zach hasn’t travelled back in time so whatever it is that has happened to him remains a complete mystery. Aside from a few suggestions about "alternate universes," there is no attempt to explain what has happened. Is the young man really his younger self? Why are they together in the present day rather than in the past? If the young Danny doesn’t repeat the same mistakes, will that change Zach’s past? The puzzle doesn’t seem to have a solution, and I don’t think there is meant to be one. Movies are about suspending belief and this one is a perfect example. However, two other queer examples that I can think of are Rob Williams' Back Soon and Tom Gustafson's Were The World Mine. As far as the movies go, Magical Realism is more prevalent in European cinema than it is here in the States (many films by Ingmar Bergman come to mind). It’s a device more commonly used on stage, like all the fantasy elements in Tony Kushner's Angels in America. Judas Kiss falls into a genre known as Magical Realism where the improbable happens within all the trappings of traditional realism. He is also about to be led astray - like Dorian Gray by Lord Henry - by an older, charismatic student who will control him, introduce him to hard drugs, and ruin his life. Danny is like he was cocky, arrogant, and the talented director of a masterful short that blows everyone away. It is also painful for Zach to recognize himself in Danny. Zach would like to believe that he is being given a second chance, but is naturally skeptical.
The gatekeeper offers no explanations, but suggests that maybe he is being given a second chance to fix his life. Not only does this kid claim to be him - his film, Judas Kiss, is the same film that he submitted fifteen years ago. Zach explains that his name was Danny Reyes when he attended school here and won the award. While Zak tries to call him on his cellphone, the old gatekeeper turns up, bums a cigarette, and asks what’s wrong. He thinks that Topher is playing a joke on him. “That’s impossible,” he shouts, “You can't be Danny Reyes,” and storms out of the auditorium. This situation is already awkward enough to fuel a movie, but then he gets another jolt when he learns that the kid’s name is Danny Reyes. Then, he gets the shock of his life when last night’s trick is amongst the finalists. Hung over and barely awake, Zach sits on the judging panel the next day to interview the young filmmakers. Their hot one night stand lasts barely a minute of screen time before we watch the young man exit while Zach sleeps. They kiss and, for a moment, they are diffused by a bright glow. The young lad follows and, once they are alone, pounces on Zach. Zach checks out a local gay bar and notices a young man (Richard Harmon) who is dancing and staring at him. Her demeanor towards him is a mix of disapproval and sadness. She, of course, remembers Zach and the competition he won. Leaving a communal shower, he overhears one student ask another: “Hey, who’s the old dude?” He is also given a pile of homework – a stack of videos to watch - by the festival’s coordinator. “You must have pissed someone off,” offers the elderly gatekeeper. Matters aren’t helped when he learns that his lodgings are in a student dorm. Too many bad memories, a dream unfulfilled and a life wasted. Zach, with reluctance, agrees.Ĭoming back to the Keystone campus feels like returning to the scene of the crime. All you have to do, he says, is interview a few students and watch their movies. He needs Zach to fill in for him as a judge at the Keystone Film Festival. Topher has a career and is leaving to shoot his new film. His best pal (lover? the film isn’t clear) is Topher (Troy Fischnaller). He describes his failed Hollywood career as “parties and rehab.” He is so ashamed of himself, and his past, that he even changed his name. Now Zach is 35 and shoots wedding videos. He won the top award at the Keystone Film Festival when he was only a film school sophomore. Judas Kiss is an implausible but interesting Twilight Zone episode, with a touch of Back To The Future.Ĭharlie David ( Mulligans, Dante’s Cove) stars as Zachary Wells.
Tepnapa, asks these questions and tries to answer them in both playful and serious ways. Ever wish you could rewind your life? What would you do if you were given a second chance? Judas Kiss, the debut feature film from director and co-writer J.T.