A Revolutionary Take on Bisexuality and Identity

Read Time:4 Minute, 19 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Drifter
(adult content) –

Genre: Drama, LGBTQ
Year Released: 1974, 2024 Kino Cult Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 38m
Director(s): Pat Rocco
Writer(s): Edward Middletown
Cast: Jon Adair, David Russell, Bambi Allen, Joe Caruso, Inga Marie, Dean Shah-Kee, Ann Collins, Gerald Strickland
Where To Watch: available now, order here www.kinolorber.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Another Kino Cult title, another unique and memorable experience! DRIFTER is immediately enveloped by the modern lens that it casts on an era of queer cinema begging for reevaluation. Pat Rocco emerges not just as a director but as a visionary, telling a story within a landscape filled with challenges and triumphs faced by those daring to live their lives. The character of the “Drifter,” portrayed by Joe Adair, takes us along on the protagonist's journey. His story is a tale of complexity and resilience, navigating a vast and suffocatingly closed-off society. It's a narrative that captures the heart with realism, making DRIFTER an unforgettable exploration of identity and connection.

DRIFTER is a testament to storytelling that dares to defy the convention. Rocco's choice to intertwine past and present into a single, compelling experience allows us to walk in the shoes of a character searching for a place in a world marked by relationships and deep-seated longing for understanding. This non-linear storytelling enriches our grasp of the protagonist's internal battles and sets the stage for a narrative as complex as the life it depicts.

Rocco's directorial style shines brightly, offering a fresh perspective on queer narratives that resonate today with an infusion of whimsy and profound emotion where one might expect melodrama. This balance is where DRIFTER truly distinguishes itself, inviting viewers into a world where laughter and tears are never far apart. Adair's performance, imbued with deep authenticity, offers a dive into the human quest for connection amidst a disconnection.

The film's storytelling is a creative project, with Rocco's guerrilla filmmaking tactics and sharp aesthetic sensibilities creating a tale in each scene. From the darker tones of its opening moments to the carefully curated wardrobe that creates a specific experience, DRIFTER is a feast for the eyes, grounding its more ethereal themes in the gritty reality of its Californian setting.

The road to recognition for DRIFTER was fraught with obstacles, from society shunning what they looked at as taboos to challenges getting the film distributed. Yet, its journey from obscurity to this gorgeous release underscores a shifting appreciation for LGBTQ+ narratives in cinema, marking it a pivotal piece in the evolution of queer film.

Rocco's nuanced portrayal goes beyond the era's clichés, reflecting on identity and desire that resonates with contemporary audiences seeking authenticity and diversity in representation. DRIFTER's initial struggles reflect the broader challenges of queer cinema in the mid-20th century. Yet, its resurgence now speaks to a growing recognition of the importance of inclusive storytelling. Rocco's film, once overlooked, now stands as a beacon for future generations of filmmakers and audiences alike, celebrating the rich tapestry of human experience.

DRIFTER transcends its boundaries to become an emblem of progress, challenge, and inspiration. It's a journey through the complexities of identity and the universal search for connection, crafted by a filmmaker ahead of his time. For anyone who cherishes films that push boundaries and provoke thought, DRIFTER is an essential viewing experience for its historical significance and enduring message of hope and understanding in the face of adversity.

Product Extras:
• 2K Restoration from the Original 16mm A/B Negatives Preserved by the UCLA Film and Television Archive
• Audio Commentary by Film Historian Finley Freibert
• Four Short Films by Pat Rocco
Autumn Nocturne (1968, 24 Min.)
A Matter of Life (1968, 14 Min. Featuring Joed Adair)
Strip Strip (1968, 5 Min.)
Sunny Boys (1968, 3 Min.)
• Optional English Subtitles

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER, KINO CULT]

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