A mature style in any art form is marked by restraint, clarity of vision, objective taste, trust in the storyline presented. All of these criteria are met handsomely in Phoenix, an aptly named film of emotional loss and renewal. With none of the firepower of a Hollywood blockbuster like Philadelphia, this film captures the very essence of the gay gestalt of two distinct generations: youth and early middle age. These come together in the unexpected relationship of the two protagonists, young Dylan and Demetrius, who is in his late-thirties. I have seldom seen more poised gay performances than those by the two leads: Chad Bartley (Dylan) and John Castle (Demetrius). The script is realistic with no bows to the bothersome bad habit of most gay productions these days: insistent multi-culturism. There are no bitchy, but good-hearted queens; there are no oracular African-Americans; there are no effeminate agony aunts. (There is an older, more experienced couple who appear briefly, but they are not obtrusive)...just the two men, working from an excellent script which panders to no value except fidelity to its subject. All of the production values are excellent, including the photography. If you're in the biz, watch this film and learn. If not,just sit back and admire one the best gay films ever made. Obviously, I loved it. BTW, I have no connection whatsoever to the makers of this film.