GREEK PETE - Interview with film critic Gary Kramer

We discuss Andrew Haigh's debut doc Greek Pete.

Film still from Greek Pete.

With the release of All of Us Strangers out at the end of this month, we took it as opportunity to look at Andre Haigh’s debut Greek Pete. A documentary /mockumentary drama released in 2009 where Haigh’s camera gains unfettered access into the day-to-day existence of gay male escort Pete Pittaros. Filming him over a prolonged period time, documenting all aspects of his life. From the interactions with clients, his relationship, his friendships, his ambitions, his contradictions, his work ethic, to his family and his immigrant background.

Without it ever being exploitative or judgemental, Haigh’s first feature is a bold, in-depth character study which highlights the life of an individual who functions very much in the periphery. The film is indicative what is to become Haigh’s signature style, a reserved observing style which simultaneously feels very intimate. In Greek Pete he zooms in on the mundaneness of Pete’s life in equal measures as the more extraordinary moments. Scenes of Pete doing house chores muster the same sensation as a full-on explicit sex scene with a client. Further having Pete at points, just ramble on at the camera, he manages to capture what lies beneath the muscled, sexed-up, ambitious bravado, which is a sensitive, young, immature soul, still trying to make sense of his life.

Joining me on this episode is film critic Gary Kramer who boldly agreed to talk to me about the film. Gary has extensively written about queer films and his writing can currently be seen in Salon.com, Gay City News, San Francisco Bay Times, Philadelphia Gay News, The Queer Archives etc.

Thank you for listening!

Music: James Jones @james-jones-music

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