Swan Song, directed by indie film maker Todd Stephens screened at this year’s Melbourne Queer Film Festival. Set in the film-makers small home town of Sandusky, Ohio, the film features retired hairdresser Pat Pitsenbarger (76 year old German actor Udo Kier) as he escapes his oppressive nursing home to go on a mission to do the funeral hair and make up of his ex-client Rita (Linda Evans of Dynasty fame). Stealing beauty products along the way, and becoming more fabulous with every step, Pat visits the homes, salons and bars of his youth, reminiscing about lost loves and friendships, one of the last gay men of his generation.
The low-budget film is filmed entirely within the small town. Homophobia doesn’t seem to exist, but rather is depicted as an unfortunate relic of the past. AIDS, beat culture and even gay bars are only memories. When Pat reveals how he lost his housing due to unfair inheritance laws, a character remarks “at least it wouldn’t happen these days”.
Despite this unrealistically positive outlook, the film is an enjoyable and bittersweet journey with humour and sadness, a great soundtrack and a very entertaining drag performance. It has limited release in cinemas from December.