Review of Behind the Red Door (2003) by Dana D — 01 Apr 2010

Kiefer Sutherland, you are the most fantastic actor on the planet. Ever since I first saw this movie, I have been watching and re-watching scenes that gripped me and haven't let go yet. Despite the fact that this film reeks of low-budget from afar, and despite the fact that the flashbacks are beyond ridiculous and without purpose, this film bares such emotion, such loss, such depth. Viewers are forced to step into the mind of a homosexual man suffering from AIDS, forced to love and respect and honor him for his struggles, his heartache, and his transformation. Kiefer Sutherland creates a character that hurts on a level far from superficial, and the viewer constantly seeks to understand just why this man is the way he is. Why does the texture of his food concern him so much, and why does he treat his sister like garbage over the silliest things? But then he turns around and can be the most loving man on the planet. And in the end, I learned. I realized. And I felt for myself everything this man had lost. And I could love him for that.

In the end, it was all Kiefer. Kyra Sedgwick was just there to facilitate Keifer's demonstration of every emotion humanity can experience. And, I know it's silly, but every time Kiefer called Kyra "darling", the tears came. It's amazing how one minute I feel hatred toward Kiefer's character for the manner in which he treats his own sister, and the next, I am feeling all warm and fuzzy inside at just how sweet he is. This is such a daring movie, and I love it.