Protect Me from What I Want (2009) User Reviews

Subtle and poignant

[so_cold · 6/10 · 1 April 2011]

Some people have been comparing this to a modern day "My beautiful laundrette" but I don't think that's true at all. It does have some similarities. They both include interracial gay romances and the main characters have to keep it secret, but this film does stand on it's own as an effective drama, and the acting ensures that it can't be compared to anything else. Naveed Choudhry stars as Saleem who's realistically torn between his religious beliefs, family expectations and his own "disgust" with himself, while Daz played by Elliot Tittensor, in the beginning appears more confident, having accepted what he wants. Naveed plays Saleem with an edgy shyness, that never seems too over the top. Constantly on his guard, he can't help but be wary of Daz, but is drawn to him at the same time.

Created by Dominc Leclerc, this is a short film in which the characters seem very thought out. Daz is definitely the more outgoing character, more self assured and willing to take chances. He's also keeping secrets too, as he juggles his mates alongside his personal life, but pushes that aside in order to help Saleem. In the film they both change and you get to see different sides of their characters. Saleem isn't as timid as he first appears and Daz isn't as happy go lucky as the viewer might think he is. The ending is open to interpretation and may leave the viewer wanting more.

Turn Around!

[adamjohns-42575 · 7/10 · 17 June 2021]

Who wouldn't want to meet Daz in a dark alley? And just when you think he's this rough and ready, chavvy thug, you realise that he is the sweetest guy and has a fantastic body to go with it. It's a shame that Saleem doesn't know what he wants.

Superbly acted by both young men and brilliantly put together overall as well as being incredibly sexy.

Very Good Short Film

[tony-bell · 10/10 · 29 June 2010]

I have to say this was very good, Elliot Tittensor shows a different side to his acting, and shows he has more talent than just playing Carl in Shameless and isn't afraid to do more serious stuff.

Naveed Choudhry was also very good, he portrays a young Asian who goes with another boy for the first time, you can feel his tension, at first and then he starts to let go a bit then feels guilty then it ends on a bit of a high.

For a 14 minute film it was very good, well shot, well acted, nice directing from Dominic Leclerc.

It came as part of a series of shorts on a film called 'Boys On Film 4' and this one is easily the best one out of the nine shorts.

Begging for a sequel

[mlparido-595-308992 · 9/10 · 6 February 2013]

The only thing lacking in this short is an appropriate soundtrack. The music behind the scenes is typical. This film deserves better.

Both Elliot Tittensor (as Daz) and Naveed Choudhry (as Saleem) do an outstanding job of developing their characters' struggles in the short time they have. Daz is trying to live a double life, keeping his sexuality and profession hidden while Saleem is torn between culture and his desire. The argument can be made that Saleem could just as rightfully been Jose, Artyom, Huang, or Billy. Using Saleem quickly incorporates western assumptions about Indian culture: strong family ties, a loving and forgiving attitude, and a strong abhorrence of homosexuality. That works well for a short film. Selecting handsome actors of a similar age helps endure them and their kinship the to the audience. That works well here also. You want these two to be together.

Tittensor does a beautiful job in the short time he has to show tenderness and that he does not want to rush or pressure Saleem. It is quickly obvious that he sees something in Saleem that he wants badly; a lover, not a client. And this is the man who may offer him that. Choudhry is obviously scared, but wants desperately to relax inside this coveted but unfamiliar life that he has only dreamed of. A life he is not sure he should even imagine, much less enter into.

The ending is superb. Tittendor's timing is perfect while repeating one spoken word. Choudhry's facial expressions during the closing shots tell a story that could fill a reel of film.

Kudos to Dominic Leclerc. He created a masterpiece. Please sir, can I have some more sir?

a meeting

[Vincentiu · 20 December 2012]

seductive, touching, fresh. real impressive. few images and words and a large circle of emotions. one of that short films who precise rules. and lives as skin of atmosphere. like in many other short movies, important is silence. in this case, it is result of clash between different cultures, image of sin and desire, fear and lust. extraordinary - the end. essential - science to be more than a gay film, its universal message. and, the inspired option for two good actors who does convincing roles as fruits of nuances. it is difficult comment it. because, as each short movie, it is a kind of haiku. the flavor is powerful or fiction for every viewer. but the scent remains. tender, fresh, special.

Just like all the others

[Horst_In_Translation · 4/10 · 8 October 2015]

"Protect Me from What I Want" (what a pathetic and cringeworthy title) is a 13-minute short film from the UK. Short films about the issue of homosexuality have been very frequent in the last 15 years. What is the reason? Do the makers of these movies lack the creativity to come up with a script for 90 minutes? Do they keep it short because they will not get their work shown in theaters if it isn't another "Brokeback Mountain"? Maybe a mix of both. Anyway, this one here is as generic as it gets for the genre. One young man has not come to terms with his sexuality. The other has and helps his mate. Identity crises and struggles with accepting who you are cannot be avoided. A graphic sex scene is included. There is a somewhat happy ending. This can be said about 90% of these films and this one here makes no difference at all. The only somewhat refreshing aspect is that the two have different ethnicities. However, this is obviously not even close to being enough to make this an exciting watch. Mediocre acting, writing and directing. I cannot say I am surprised that neither the two lead actors nor writer and director Dominic Leclerc are having a career beyond British television series 6 years after this was done. IMDb rating is way too high as usual with these gay-themed short films. Not a convincing watch and I have to give this one a thumbs down. Not recommended.

strange

[Kirpianuscus · 30 June 2017]

because it reflects, in inspired manner, emotions, not exactly a story. because it gives authenticity of a first experience and to a cultural clash. because the performances are real great. and the script - an inspired one. it is strange to write about it because it is a film about realities out of words. a kind of embroidery of nuances, suggestions and admirable images. a film about honesty. to yourself. about fear and the delicate manner to stop it. about joy and sensitivity. about basic small things. and nothing more.