Caravaggio's Cupid

  • Jay Harris

Caravaggio’s Cupid is a turbulent tale of adolescent love, lust and individuality. From first glance to infatuation, the narrative short tells the story of an unrequited love that takes place in ordinary circumstances. The film captures the fragility of masculinity and the unconventional ways of finding love in the queer community. The film reveals the private emotional struggle of its shy and introverted character. Giulio, a quiet loner in his early twenties, is clumsily looking for his first relationship. Shy and lacking self-confidence, his past experiences with men have only led to a continuous array of meaningless hook-ups. Set within Berlin's prestigious Gemäldegalerie, opposite Caravaggio’s Amor Vincit Omnia (love conquers all) Giulio finds himself innocently seduced by a handsome spectator. As the two take part in a lust-infused game of cat-and-mouse, Giulio begins to wonder if he has finally met his match. I want the audience to go on a journey with a character that struggles and hesitates in his search for love. I want the audience to understand the ways our pasts and cultures, our scares and shames can shape who we are and determine how we love. The dialogue was written to be intimate, personal and touching. As if reading someone’s diary. I intend for the film to be a conversational one. One which blends artistic tone with naturalistic style. I want Caravaggio’s Cupid to imply a kind of ‘realism’ in the experience Giulio has as he navigates his way through intimacy, love and sex as a twenty-first century queer boy. Release Date: 28th June 2019