a short film by James Burkhammer II
2005 | 15 mins | US
JB Ghuman Jr .... Darren
Marshall Allman .... Connor
John Wesley Shipp .... Father
Simon Ragaine .... Young Darren
Derek Sean Lara .... Young Connor
Darcy DeMoss .... Mother
Gina Rodgers .... Amanda
Torrey DeVitto .... Maura
Victor Bevine .... Coach
Colette Divine .... Hotel Clerk
Steven Guy .... Cop
Starcrossed
the controversial relationship between
a pair of star-crossed lovers
publicity still for the film short
STARCROSSED
by James Burkhammer II
www.power-up.net/starcrossed.htm
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Okay, let's cut to the core and get the controversial subject of this short out in the open.
Namely this is a film about incest. Having said that, do not let the nature of this social
taboo put you off. For this is a beautifully shot work that stands head and shoulders
above many a gay short I have seen and believe me, I've seen a lot.
Having said that, the subject of sexual relations between blood brothers is one that cannot help
but provoke strong reactions. But such is the strength of the celluloid medium and indeed the
way that this film has been executed by writer and director James Burkhammer II, that he
has seemingly made the love that to this day still dare not speak its name,
somewhat cinematically presentable.
For devoid of love from an overbearing father, young Connor seeks refuge in his close friendship
with his elder sibling Darren. Only when a kiss on the lips signals that his love for his older
brother has crossed the moral divide, Darren exits stage left along with Connor to emerge at
the cinema with their respective girlfriends. Only his mind is not on the film, nor for that
matter on his girlfriend. Rather it is on the deep love that he holds for his younger brother,
but which society forbids. Sensing things are not going to turn out for the best, Darren's fears
for their future prove well founded when a parental confrontation over the true nature of their
friendship, prompts the two to flee home. Not wanting to spend the rest of their lives on
the run and fearing being torn apart if apprehended by the authorities, there appears
to be only one option left open to them. Question is - will they take it?
Like the classic Shakespearean tragedy from which the title takes its inspiration, this work also
charts the ramifications of the relationship between a pair of star-crossed lovers. Only here
the story is not concerned with the enmity between two rival households, but instead the taboo
that is incest. To his credit, Burkhammer in an impressive film debut manages to depict the
requisite act of sexual bonding in a tender and soft-focused manner, casting shock value
aside to concentrate on showcasing the attitude by society to an act of love
deemed as morally repugnant.
And yet whatever be your personal stance to the emotive issue that is incest, there is no denying
the strength of this work. For backed by an atmospheric score by Radio Sloan, this short acts
like the final reel of a ninety-minute feature, all of which is more than appropriate given
Burkhammer's desire to turn it into full-length duration. Such would clearly aid character
development, inparticular in terms of Darcy DeMoss whose sole function would appear to
be a cinematic means by which to out the incestuous relationship of the piece. As expected,
mother and father team DeMoss and John Wesley Shipp of DAWSON'S CREEK fame handle the relatively
few scenes they have with the proficiency of their craft, whilst JB Ghuman Jr and Marshall
Allman as the male leads add a natural sincerity to the portrayal of those
who take brotherly love to an all-the-more intimate level.
That such a love remains a social stigma is not in doubt. And yet this emotional work in many
ways mirrors the plight of ROMEO AND JULIET, given both sets of star-crossed lovers find their
love for each other at odds with the outside world. In other words and with apologies to
the Bard, never was there a gay short of more woe, than this of Darren and his Romeo!
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