Billy Elliot

From Monday to Wednesday, I stayed home with a URI - upper respiratory infection. Last week, I was thinking it was about time for something like this to happen. Amazingly, the antibiotics have been very effective, so I feel semi-decent this evening.

I loved the two characters of Billy and Michael. And the scene between the two of them in the snow as Michael tries to warm Billy's hands is wonderful. It manages to touch on friendship and gayness with equal measure without being mawkish or contrived.

The actor who portrays Billy is incredible. That grin is delicious and infectious.

There are so many camera shots that are achingly beautiful.

One is a loving view at the top of a hill, across a cobblestone street, enclosed on either side by red brick and stone buildings, that streches down to the sea where a single white-sailed boat floats. Suddenly Billy comes dancing up the hill and into sight.

In another, he bounces down an alley in sunlight to a rusty corrugated metal fence. He beats and slams against the metal. And the camera zooms in for a close-up. Someone calls his name, and the camera moves back. But now it's twilight and the path is covered with snow. Utter nonsense, but sheer magic.

And of course the final shots. You see Billy, years later, as a swan from "Swan Lake." Bare-chested, wearing feathery leggings, with a black stripe across his forehead. And that blond, Nordic, down-like hair, combed back in fine rows. He swirls onto the stage, leaps into the air, and the camera freezes.

After the credits, I sat for a few minutes, and then I began to weep. Partially because I wasn't feeling well. But also because of the memories that arrived unbidden. Of being Billy and Michael's age. Of knowing, but not understanding, I was a "poofer."

PAX!