Breaking Free From LGBTQ+ Stereotypes on Screen

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SHORT FILM REVIEW
Goodbye Tango
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Genre: Dark Comedy
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 14m
Director(s): Jason Laurits
Writer(s): Jason Laurits
Cast: Joan Shangold, Marilyn Busch, Jeanette Bonner, Louis Rocky Bacigalupo
Where To Watch: premieres June 24, 2023, at Dances with Film; tickets available here www.danceswithfilms.com

RAVING REVIEW: GOODBYE TANGO dives into the normality of daily existence through the eyes of Ruth (Joan Shangold,) our leading lady. She finds an unusual companion in Tango, her pet hamster, amidst a life lacking excitement. Connie (Marilyn Busch,) Ruth's partner, is more inclined to solve puzzles than to nurture this bond.

The film universe is seldom predictable, and the events in GOODBYE TANGO follow suit. Connie's aloof response to Ruth's earnest effort triggers an emotional meltdown in Ruth, spiraling into a series of unfortunate occurrences that ultimately lead to Tango's premature departure from life.

Ruth's newfound understanding of her relationship with Connie, previously clouded by her perception, becomes apparent. Connie's poorly-executed attempts at consolation only fan the flames of Ruth's bitterness. A seemingly innocuous trip to a pet store nudges Ruth towards profound insight. The existential query: Are we all trapped in an endless life cycle, spinning aimlessly toward oblivion?

Now let's flip the script and look behind the scenes. The creative force steering the narrative of GOODBYE TANGO, also credited with the well-received short COCKTAIL HOUR (which I’ll also be reviewing in the next week,) aims to construct a story that steps out of the LGBTQ+ narrative and reverberates with the broader experiences of humanity. They shatter stereotypes to assert that the narrative of the LGBTQ+ community isn't confined to coming-out tales or tragic queer narratives. They endorse the universality of experiences such as life, love, loss, and renewal. They aim to examine and spotlight these shared experiences from an LGBTQ+ viewpoint, turning their cinematic portfolio into a distinctive exploration of common themes.

To sum it up, GOODBYE TANGO serves as a touching reminder that no matter our identity or who we love, the milestones of life and the emotions they awaken are universally relatable. This movie is more than just motion on a screen; it's life reflected through the lens, underscoring the nuances of human connections and the existential fears lurking within our lives.

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