Crossover success is not all that surprising, explains Young. “I scripted the piece to be universal - the comic twist simply worked best when set in a gay dance club. But it could have been any club anywhere in the world.” Perhaps that explains the film’s strong international appeal.
And, what about the new short? “FREUD SLIPS is an experimental erotic comedy,” says Young. “The aging Father of Modern Psychoanalysis visits a modern day health club and finds himself fixated on the male clientele. He soon discovers he’s got a few issues of his own to work out.” So, is this short also a gay-themed comedy? “Not really,” says Young. “But Freud does end up confronting his own sexuality, and perhaps finds the inspiration for his famous theories.”
Well then, is this short for adults only? “Not at all,” explains Young. “Well, not on the surface, anyway. What’s particularly amusing is that every single shot in this piece would get a ‘G’ rating, but in context and as edited, there is a sexual content that is downright blatant. But if you were to say the story is dirty, I’d have to point out that it’s only in your mind!”
Shot in Boston, Young’s short relied heavily on New England film community resources. “Rule Broadcast Systems and Doug Martin were crucial in the success with an innovative solution to the tricky lighting of the South End gym location. Doug came up with a Mini Kino Flo mounting that let me shoot in between tightly spaced equipment, and work with the challenges of two temperature fluorescent and incandescent track lighting. And the New England casting community was exceedingly generous and cooperative in helping me find an actor to play the 75 yr. old Freud.”
The search for the right actor delayed the shoot for over four weeks while Young auditioned actors and scoured local area gyms for elderly amateurs with white beards. “I needed an elderly man who could carry the dramatic story line convincingly, but do so while working out on an elliptical strider - at ever increasing speeds. I didn’t want to risk my star keeling over - at least not before I got the last shot,” quipped Young jokingly.
A Boston Center for the Arts production by the Stanley B. Players brought Young his perfect Freud. Jackson Royal was just wrapping a production of 12 ANGRY MEN. “We spoke in the lobby after the show. I pitched the script to him right there. I wouldn’t have blamed him if he thought I was a madman. But instead, he smiled and said, ‘Oh... that’s good!’ Turns out Jackson had been a psychologist!”
FREUD SLIPS premieres as we go to press, and may well find itself soon traveling the world. Young feels confident his new comedy has an even broader crossover appeal than his first film. And with so many doors to the festival circuit now opened, perhaps LOOKING FOR MR. RIGHT has enabled FREUD SLIPS to find its audience.