The film opens with a shot of cranes. Jerene Parks (Cathy Tyson) is a Phd student who is researching the language development of a pair of twins. They had their own way of communicating before social workers forced them to learn English.
Philip (Angus MacFadyen) is a young gay man with an American boyfriend Elliot (Corey Parker.) His father Owen (Brian Cox) is a university lecturer married to Rose (Eileen Atkins) a literary editor who need to find a new home soon. Their landlord wants his flat back. It is a sign of shaky foundations.
Owen is a closet gay man who visits gay porn cinemas. When Philip finally comes out to his parents, it stirs something in Owen. He wants to learn from his son, the language of gay people. The signals of spotting a gay man. Owen also wants to come out of the closet to his wife, who already disapproves of Philip's sexuality.
Directed by Nigel Finch. The film came out when homophobia was rife from the then Tory government. Brian Cox felt the movie had something important to say when asked why he took the role. It is about a man who learns the need to be honest to himself and to his family.
For actor Angus MacFadyen, now better known on US television, this was one of his first roles. Looking back at it now, the movie has several gay actors. Ben Daniels, John Schlesinger, Frank Middlemass.
Made for the BBC Screen 2 strand. This is a low key but important film in 90s queer cinema.
