Kissing has always held a complex place in society. Historically, U.S. films once faced strict censorship under the Hays Code, which limited on-screen kisses to just three seconds. This regulation highlighted the perceived threat of openly showing desire and intimacy. In some cultures, kissing remains a private act, only shared by certain groups. Today, filmmakers like Natalie Musteata and Alexandre Singh illustrate this tension through their Oscar-nominated short, Two People Exchanging Saliva, set in a society where kissing is outright banned.
The film opens in a humorous yet unsettling way, featuring two men transporting a mysterious box filled with screams and banging noises to a secluded spot. Their actions take a dark turn as they throw the box over a cliff, a striking penalty for those caught kissing. Interestingly, despite the heavy restrictions, public displays of kissing seem to be rising, stirring fears among some characters in the film. A young sales assistant named Malaise, played by Luàna Bajrami, overhears gossip in her boutique job. Her neighbor even offers her garlic gum as a precaution against unwanted advances. Yet, Malaise finds herself drawn to a glamorous, older customer, Angine (Zar Amir Ebrahimi). Their mutual attraction simmers beneath the surface.
Running at 38 minutes, this short immerses viewers in rich world-building. Unique societal rules shape everyday life; for example, people breathe into a security guard’s face as a bizarre form of entry. Toothpaste, given its association with kissing, is hard to come by and traded on the black market. Money is replaced by slaps to the face, with slap tokens from a lottery determining one’s fortunes. This strange economy reveals how far the state goes to suppress desire, turning physical violence into a form of currency.
Angine’s and Malaise’s lives stand in stark contrast. Angine embodies a sleek, vintage style reminiscent of 1940s noir, while Malaise navigates a gritty, reality-filled world with subway rides and street corner shops. Their interactions blur the line between punishment and intimacy, especially when Angine’s bruises evolve from physical marks to symbols of their shared passion.
Filmed in black and white, the cinematography enhances both the elegance of Angine’s world and the horror of the film’s deeper themes. The stark imagery underscores the emotional weight of their burgeoning love story, alongside motifs of art as a subtle resistance against societal norms.
This exploration of oppression reminds us that fascism often starts with small liberties being stripped away. The film argues for the importance of sexual freedoms, especially in today’s climate. It combines innovative cinematic techniques with a powerful narrative, ultimately delivering a poignant love story that resonates deeply.
Additional Insights
Experts in film studies note that Two People Exchanging Saliva leverages the symbolism of kissing to critique modern day politics, drawing parallels between societal norms and personal freedoms. Recent statistics indicate that many young people feel restricted in expressing their relationships due to societal pressures, hinting that the film’s themes are more relevant now than ever.
As conversations about love and freedom continue to dominate social media, this film invites viewers to reflect on the delicate balance between personal desires and societal constraints. According to a recent survey, over 70% of participants believe that media representation impacts their views on intimacy, emphasizing the necessity for films like this to challenge norms and foster dialogue.
In sum, Two People Exchanging Saliva stands not only as a tale of love but as commentary on the wider implications of love in a controlled society.
