''Snails in the Rain'' ( he, שבלולים בגשם ''Shablulim BaGeshem'') is a 2013

Israel Israel (; he, יִשְׂרָאֵל, ; ar, إِسْرَائِيل, ), officially the State of Israel ( he, מְדִינַת יִשְׂרָאֵל, label=none, translit=Medīnat Yīsrāʾēl; ), is a country in Western Asia. It is situated ...

i drama film. Set in the 1980s, the film revolves around Boaz, a student, who receives love letters from an unknown man, which undermines his sexual identity and threatens his stable relationship with his girlfriend.

Production

Casting

''Snails in the Rain'' was directed by Yariv Mozer. To better understand the challenges facing actors, he decided to act in the film himself, taking on the role of Professor Richlin. He studied under acting coach Ruth Dytches in preparation for this role. Mozer explained, "I chose him rof. Richlinbecause his story is more like my own. I felt more like him and could identify with him."

Filming

Citing

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'' as inspiration, Mozer and cinematographer Shahar Reznik opted to film in a documentary style with the Sony F3, an older camera known for its Super 35 sensor and excellent treatment of highlights and aliasing. Mozer and Reznik sought to use light and color in an authentic yet vintage look.

Central Theme

''Snails in the Rain'' has a gay-themed backdrop which is based on a short story. "I was moved by the story," recalled Mozer. "It was very unusual to find gay literature in

Tel Aviv Tel Aviv-Yafo ( he, תֵּל־אָבִיב-יָפוֹ, translit=Tēl-ʾĀvīv-Yāfō ; ar, تَلّ أَبِيب – يَافَا, translit=Tall ʾAbīb-Yāfā, links=no), often referred to as just Tel Aviv, is the most populous city in the G ...

. In fact, in some places it is still very much controversial."

Availability

As of late 2022, this film is available (at least from the US) on DVD from Amazon, as well as by streaming on Tubi.

Gay Content

This film has been selected for multiple LBGT film festivals,Allegra Tepper,
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, August 6, 2013 while it contains homophobic themes:

The poor handsome man isn't responsible for using the phrase, "no, thank you," or for raping his girlfriend in anger. He's a victim of the gays.
The middle aged gay man is inevitably destined to be miserable and lonely, as well as unethical in his pursuit of love.
If you don't live a straight life, you cannot have children.

It is unclear whether these are intended to be presented as false stereotypes, since there are no further clues in the film. The protagonist is shown enjoying exclusively heterosexual sex.