‘Fluidity’ a look at love in an over-connected world
“FLUIDITY (noun) — the state of being unsettled or unstable; changeability: tactical considerations can change rapidly give the fluidity of the situation.”
So goes one of the dictionary definitions of the word fluidity — a word indeed heard more and more these days when it comes to relationships, gender, sexual entanglements and life and love in general.
It seemed only a matter of time before a film — or a TV series — would glom onto the word. It has happened. Not surprisingly, “Fluidity,” a coming feature film, has sprung from the extraordinarily smart head of my old friend, the director/producer/writer Linda Yellen.
I’ve known of Linda since her time as the producer of Arthur Miller’s “Playing for Time,” the shattering TV movie about the Holocaust, starring, among others, Vanessa Redgrave.
I actually met Yellen while she worked with Elizabeth Taylor and director Nicolas Roeg on the 1989 TV version of Tennessee Williams’ “Sweet Bird of Youth.” We became fast friends, and I was amused and fascinated to learn she knew La Liz very well indeed, had actually traveled with the star of stars, back in day and mixed in with ET’s crazy entourage.
In years to come, I was increasingly impressed as Linda produced/directed/ wrote such fascinating indie offerings as “Parallel Lines,” “End of Summer,” “Chantilly Lace” and “The Simian Line.”
She won my deepest respect spending five grueling years finishing up Dennis Hopper’s final film, “The Last Film Festival” — Hopper died before filming was complete, money was short, and considering Hopper’s iconic status, interest was not overwhelming. But nothing could stop Linda from presenting Hopper’s farewell to audiences — a movie that also included a rich comic turn by her old friend Jackie Bisset. “I have an obligation,” Linda told me as she struggled. “Not just to Dennis and Jackie” but to all the actors, all the crew. This was a labor of love, and I can’t stop until it’s done.”
Linda is a true creature of film and a professional par excellence. To have her on your side is to be protected, loved and presented at your very best.
LAST WEEK Linda sat me down to watch a rough cut of her new one, “Fluidity.” This is a ruthlessly candid, funny, sometimes sad, sexy look at millennials
It is a crash course through modern life, showing the unapologetic but inevitably vulnerable side of the social media generation — swaths of young people who grew up on selfies, swiping left or right and perhaps not understanding — or ever knowing — enough empathy or intimacy. “Fluidity” has no shame but considerable visceral sensuality, confusion, disengagement, all-too-instant connection, and — but of course — the search for “real” love, the natural human desire for an occasional power blackout in a world where everybody is connected to the nth degree! (In a way, it reminds me of a 2017 version of “Sex, Lies and Videotape.”) It’s searing, honest, realistic and — as everything about sex and relationships is — funny!
From what I saw, in its rough state, “Fluidity” looks very beautiful indeed (highest kudos to cinematographer Gabi Kosuth). Produced by Alyxzander Bear, it is pungently written by Yellen, Michael Leeds and Stephanie Wahlstrom.
“Fluidity” is totally of the moment. It exploits and explores the concepts of “normal” romance, without judging or pretending to know the answer to the disconnection of today’s world. No preaching, just presentation. The human condition always faces a void of feeling and understanding. It simply seems less human and more obvious now. But is it for those who know nothing else? “Fluidity” shakes the box and puts a spotlight on that age-old question: What is the right way to love?
What impressed me about “Fluidity” was its, well — expert fluidity; the easy confidence, hard edge, intelligence and wit.
What “Fluidity” showed me is that talent, ambition and fresh ideas are evergreen, at least for Linda Yellen.