Romancing Art

Conveying an emotion or generating an experience without resorting to words

Is it possible to forget that 'Romancing Art' is characterized by its lack of dialogue, in which the actors' voices are not heard in the few spoken lines and are only subtitled, and simply focus on the Filipino miniseries itself? No? That's what some people seem to focus on. They can't imagine two young people expressing their love for the first time in this way. They can't imagine watching something like this.
The fact that it has these characteristics reminded me of the time a reader called me to ask about 'Crashing Waves', a 2018 British short film in which writer-director Emma Gilbertson explores the tension between kissing and fighting, which two young strangers who have just met for the first time in a housing estate in the middle of London are involved in, through a masterfully choreographed dance in the most unexpected settings. (https://vimeo.com/289044294).
And what about the queer animated short film "In a Heartbeat", which tells the story of a gay boy who decides to come out to pursue the man of his dreams? (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2REkk9SCRn0)
"I think it's one of the best things I've seen this year", I said, referring to the British short film. "Oh," he said, "it doesn't sound like we'd want to see that". And he hung up on me.
Here are three episodes, each about seven minutes long, the freshest, most captivating, and most intriguing I've seen in a long time; a miniseries that captivates with its story, its performances, and its subtle play with silence. 'Romancing Art' knows you're aware of its silence and builds on this idea. It's not that there's absolute silence. It's accompanied by music. And "Lihim", Eric Borromeo's theme song, is the best choice.
Set in a city-themed garden park, newcomer Art Turla, as Art, the "extroverted soccer player", and Axl Romeo, as Axl, the boy who loves to draw, have a good command of dramatic rhythm and body language. Both convey much more than words can say. Both guide the viewer on a beautiful journey through gestures and emotions. Both stand out for their solid performances and a chemistry that explodes on camera.
"In a world of noise and silence, of enchantment and stillness, a story unfolds. A story not told with words... but drawn between glances, laughter, and what's left behind." A story between Art, the striking, athletic, and impossible-to-ignore jock, and Axl, the quiet, artistic boy who simply tries to try to go unnoticed.
Axl Romeo is well known to Filipino BL fans for starring in several series directed by Mayumi Layne Villar, such as 'Where I Found You' (2024), 'Beautiful Scars' (2023), and 'Love Is' (2021). I must admit that I haven't been able to get past the first few minutes on either occasion. However, I enjoy his performance in 'Romancing Art'. He manages to portray his role in this miniseries with subtlety and breadth.
Produced by Windsor Creatives Production, this story stands out not only for its visual beauty but also for its ability to reflect on universal themes such as gay love, the passion for drawing, and how a chance encounter can lead to love.
One of the highlights of 'Romancing Art' is its ability to communicate complex emotions and narratives without resorting to dialogue. RB, its writer and director, noted that this decision reflects his preference for telling stories through images. "Dialogue doesn't feel natural to me. My favorite films aren't based on words, but on images and experiences", he expressed on social media while presenting the play.
RB achieves so much with so little in his miniseries: the metaphorical space it occupies, a kind of refuge for lovers to meet on Sundays, is enchanting. But the important thing is that what differentiates this type of audiovisual work, with little or no dialogue, from others is the need to tell a story, convey an emotion, or generate an experience without resorting to words.
On the other hand, the photography is stunning. I also love how the light enters the camera lens and creates rainbow-like multi-colored points of light. These flashes add a pleasing visual touch or an otherworldly feel to the images.
Don't miss it.

Read More