Even ardent fans of Tom of Finland might wonder whether his life story could possibly rival the allure of his famously bulging gay erotica. It most surely does. The film begins during World War II, during which Tom shares a secret sex life with many fellow soldiers as they await invasion. When Tom ends up killing a Russian paratrooper in a lonely field, the specter of the young man haunts him and eventually inspires the principal leather-clad character in Tom’s art. The story continues on — through Tom’s search for love in homophobic times and places, ultimately leading him to America where he is surprised to learn his drawings have made him something of a celebrity. Performed in nearly equal parts Finnish and English, this first-rate production captures one man’s personal journey, the evolving gay experience of the last 70 years and the power of Tom’s creations. THE WORD: The true focus of the film is the story behind Tom’s important, irrepressible work. COMING TO: Theaters
Last modified: May 18, 2018
