Captain Faggotron Saves the Universe

If the world is moving backwards, then might ancient aesthetics save the day – once more? If in places as different as Slovakia, Norway or the United States, LGBTQIA+ people get murdered and their institutions attacked like in no time since the 1950s, then maybe the narratives of yore are needed once again? Thoughts like this certainly can cruise through one's mind when faced with the kinkily delicious, occasionally animated part-musical Captain Faggotron Saves the Universe, which is shamelessly classic in its camp attitude. The story of a closeted priest who finds himself in the midst of a battle for the world's sexuality could have been told exactly like this half a century ago – and then as now, it's good to see the Christ giving the poor shepherd His blessings while getting stoned and bitching about His biographers who simply never loved Him the right way. Also, the exquisitely garish costumes cut from becomingly cheap cloth, the minimalist set design that sometimes simply consists of a friend's living room and at other times outrageously tacky stuff tagged to a wall, remind connoisseurs of deviant movie pleasures of just about everybody from Jack Smith to Wakefield Poole to Rosa von Praunheim. Be in the vanguard! Join the ranks of Captain Faggotron! (International Film Festival Rotterdam)