Queer Screen Film Fest: Guidance

A drunk, washed-up and deadbeat child actor pretending to be a qualified high school guidance counsellor, Guidance is a receipt for a hilariously bubbly film that will send audiences into hysterics. Pat Mills’ debut as writer-director-star showcases his many talents, and we are delighted to follow his character, David Gold (played by himself) as he adventures into a spiral of self-delusion/destruction.

On the brink of being evicted, told he is dying of stage 3 skin cancer and recently unemployed, Gold lands a position at a high school. Armed with a corduroy jacket, a vodka flask and research from a youtube video, he provides "Roland’s" unorthodox techniques to his troubled students. Much to his delight, Gold finds adoration in his students especially with Jabrielle, whose self-esteem has been butchered by her mother’s abuse, and to the ire of the school’s teachers. Their supportive relationship leads them down a fugitive-fleeing path as his web of deceit begins to unwrap around him.

At the height of Gold’s self-denial is his charming positive affirmation monologues "You will beat this skin cancer with cigarettes and tanning" or "You are not gay, you just have a gentle voice". But his out of control spiral leads him to a surprisingly refreshing self-realisation.

An audience’s favourite at the Toronto Film Festival, Guidance tackles the corrupt-the-youth comedy with a character that is surprisingly warm and amusing. Gold’s performance is witty and sharp, the Toronto-shot scenes are picturesque and the electronics-heavy music makes this film a night to remember.