Ba'al Ba'al Lev" unfolds in a small Israeli town, weaving a captivating tale around four friends: Guri, Mitzy, Nohav, and Merito. Guri grapples with his homosexuality, known to Mitzy, while Nohav, a colorful character, brings humor with his passion for the Eurovision Song Contest. The story draws inspiration from the classic Jewish musical "Kunilemel," exploring identity conflicts and marriage fantasies through its characters. Director Eytan Fox skillfully incorporates music, collaborating with notable LGBTQ musicians, creating a film that is not only visually vibrant and campy but also emotionally touching and profoundly resonant.
“Ba’al Ba’al Lev,” also known as “A Husband with a Heart,” is a standout film in the realm of Israeli cinema. Originally produced for Channel 2 of Israeli Television as part of the ‘Short Stories about Love’ series, the movie distinguishes itself not only through its exploration of LGBTQ themes but also its distinctive campy and fantasy-like style.
Directed by the talented Eytan Fox, the film delves into the lives of four friends – Mitzy, Merito, Nohav, and Guri – in a small Israeli town. Guri and Mitzy share a deep connection, and despite not explicitly discussing it, Mitzy is aware of Guri’s homosexuality. Nohav, a vibrant character working in a dance school, injects humor into the narrative with his witty take on American culture and his passion for the Eurovision Song Contest. Merito, a macho figure from the dance school, becomes the object of affection for both Mitzy and Guri.
What sets “Ba’al Ba’al Lev” apart is its musicality, drawing inspiration from the classic Jewish musical “Kunilemel.” The film incorporates two songs from “Kunilemel,” dealing with the identity conflicts of its main character and the marriage fantasies of its heroine, adding depth and cultural resonance to the storyline.
Eytan Fox’s penchant for integrating music into his films is a recurring theme in his works. From his early short film “After,” featuring the original score by Yehuda Poliker, to collaborations with Ivri Lider in later films such as “Yossi and Jagger” and “Walk on Water,” music becomes a powerful storytelling tool.
The collaboration with out-of-the-closet gay musicians like Yehuda Poliker and Ivri Lider not only contributes to the film’s soundtrack but also adds a layer of authenticity, aligning with the LGBTQ themes explored in Fox’s works.
Having watched “Ba’al Ba’al Lev” multiple times, the film is described as a rare gem that is both colorful and campy, offering a fun and entertaining experience. Yet, beneath its lighthearted exterior, the film manages to convey intelligent notions and touches the viewer emotionally. Unlike other Eytan Fox movies, “Ba’al Ba’al Lev” leaves the audience with not just a tear in the corner of their eye but also a huge smile that lingers for several days.
1 comment