Marco Berger’s films often start with a knock on the door, introducing a young gay man into a group of attractive young men in a hyper-masculine setting. The tension in these homoerotic environments is filled with banter, dares, and provocative games, testing the boundaries between gay and straight as characters navigate complex emotions. Berger’s films are pressure cookers of unspoken dynamics, male bonding, and repressed desire.
His work has made him a successful filmmaker in Latin America and globally, despite facing stigma around gay films. Berger’s latest film, The Astronaut Lovers, explores the blurred lines between homosexuality and heterosexuality, highlighting the fluidity of human attraction. Comedy plays a key role in his storytelling, easing tension and allowing for deeper exploration of societal norms.
Reflecting on his personal experiences growing up gay in a heteronormative society, Berger infuses his films with themes of love and adolescence. He addresses the challenges of being gay in Argentina, where public displays of affection between same-sex couples can still provoke unwanted attention. His films, such as Horseplay and Taekwondo, delve into toxic masculinity, homophobia, and the complexities of male bonding.
Despite his success, Berger faces obstacles in the industry due to lingering homophobia that affects funding opportunities for LGBTQ+ films. However, he remains committed to telling stories that challenge societal norms and explore the fluidity of human sexuality. „Ich habe 12 Filme gemacht, und zusammen kosten sie weniger als einer von ihnen aus.“
„Die größten Produzenten wollen meine Arbeit nicht produzieren“, fügt er hinzu. „Sie haben Angst davor, als Produzenten von schwulen Filmen bezeichnet zu werden. Ich war nie auf gleicher Augenhöhe mit anderen Regisseuren. Die Astronautenliebhaber wurden mit 200.000 Dollar gemacht.“
„Aber ich habe nie an meine Karriere gedacht, queer Filme zu machen; ich dachte daran, Filme zu machen. Niemand fragt Quentin Tarantino, warum er einen weiteren heterosexuellen Film macht, und niemand hinterfragt Tim Burton, warum er einen weiteren heterosexuellen macht.“
Die Astronautenliebhaber werden am 27. und 28. März im BFI Southbank gezeigt.