Director: Bavo Defurne
Talent: Jelle Florizoone, Eva van der Gucht, Mathias Vergels
Release Date: June 4th 2012
For those of you wondering about the title it’s actually set in a coastal town in Belgium centred around a bar called Texas, and not a big hick lagoon you thought you’d never known about.
North Sea Texas (or Noordzee Texas as originally entitled) is a coming of age story that centres around young Pim, a teenage boy exploring his homosexual urges, through the handsome next door neighbour Gino. The film is shot with such beauty and grace – there are many scenes where the eye is treated to a feast of picturesque images and sounds of seaside serenity. But after awhile the story becomes laden with uncertainty and seems to almost stumble around, unsure where to go next.
The film does contain some lovely cinematic moments – particularly in the transition between young Pim and teenage Pim, by a simple reflection in a mirror and a passing sidewipe blending together perfectly. And young Jelle Florizoone is magnificent as Pim, perfectly balancing his almost mute existence against his reserved curious lenience towards boys.
It’s a stunning visual piece, but after awhile the narrative loses its hold on the audience and seems to settle for being just another coming of age piece, lacking the compelling characters it needed to become a truly memorable piece.
Words: Joseph Orr
