Drama
United States of America
Vapors (1965) is a short film directed by Andy Milligan, which explores homosexuality and loneliness in a very subtle and subdued way. The film takes place entirely inside a gay bathhouse, where the patrons are seen engaging in various sexual activities in the background while the main characters are mostly engaged in conversation.
The story primarily revolves around Mr. Jaffee (played by Robert Dahdah), a shy and reserved man who is struggling to come to terms with his sexuality and his unhappy marriage. He decides to explore his desires by going to the bathhouse, where he becomes the object of interest for Thomas (played by Gerard Jacuzzo), a more experienced and outgoing regular.
As they talk, the two men share their thoughts and feelings regarding love, relationships, and the difficulties of connecting with others. Jaffee reveals that he is afraid of losing the emotional connection that he shares with his wife, while Thomas talks about his promiscuous lifestyle and his desire for something more meaningful.
Despite their differences, the two men find a strong bond, which neither of them was expecting. They share a moment of intimacy, but do not pursue any physical contact, making the film stand out in the context of its time.
The film is shot in black and white and has a very raw and realistic feel to it, capturing the gritty atmosphere of the bathhouse. The dialogue is sparse, with long pauses, and the camera lingers on the characters' expressions, revealing their innermost thoughts.
Vapors is a poignant and introspective look at the complexities of human connection and the struggle to find love and acceptance in a society that often denies it. It was praised for its honest portrayal of homosexuality at a time when such topics were considered taboo in mainstream cinema.
