While Independent films are not my usual cup of tea, I have enjoyed many through the years ("Sex, lies, and videotape" etc). I do not expect high production values or good cutting. I try to keep an open mind and look for break out performances or decent writing. The plot of "Shank" is fair and has potential. The execution by Simon Pearce is less than desirable. His overuse of symbolism and rough cut edits between subplots is so erratic that it makes the film difficult to follow at times. One way to smudge a scene, if you haven't got a shot in editing, is to add a blurry, out of focus shot as filler. I found too many of those to stay in my comfort zone.
What did I find good about "Shank"? The dilemma of the gang person who is trying to find his own identity a good plot device. The subplot with the school teacher played a necessary role in the morality part of the story. However, when one actor carries such a heavy load as Wayne Virgo did for the part of Cal, then I believe you need to cast for more than just type. You must cast for talent. Marc Laurent did a good job as the French student and had a great sense of mise en scene. Another cast member that stood out was Tom Bott as Jonno. While his final scene was a bit much (director is responsible here), I thought he has great potential past this film.
Today, thanks to advances in technology, young gay people have a choice of film subjects and styles geared toward their orientation and subculture. "Shank" tries to be honest and address the concerns of many young gay men, although the execution needs a leg up... to use the vernacular.
