By Nestor Torre

MANILA, Philippines - Many film people are criticized for sticking to "tested" formulas and refusing to go against "image" for fear of confounding their fans' expectations. Ironically, however, by playing it safe, they eventually end up boring their followers and thus hastening the decline of their careers.

Well, the stars involved in Star Cinema's latest offering, "In My Life," certainly can't be accused of doing that. In fact, their new starrer is a decidedly daring production, and could even put their popularity at risk.

Theme

Even more interestingly, they've opted to dare without having to bare. They don't need to show any skin, because what's daring about their movie is its theme, and the fact that young-adult male leads, Luis Manzano and John Lloyd Cruz, play male lovers for the first time in their careers.

No, they don't go Dolphy's cross-dressing route. They play Pinoys in the US who are "straight" on the outside, but gay as flaming fairies within.

The movie is particularly risky for John Lloyd, especially since he's become a bankable male lead after his two costarrers with Sarah Geronimo. If his gay characterization hits the wrong notes and turns off viewers, his popularity could be threatened.

Reputations

However, we can bet that the film's stars and staffers are making sure that it will enhance rather than compromise its artists' reputations. Yes, the characters are edgy and decidedly unconventional, but it's fervently hoped that, at film's end, viewers will see that their hearts are in the right place.

To a lesser degree, "In My Life" could also be a risky assignment for Vilma Santos who plays her son Luis' screen mother in the film. It's her first movie outing in years, so her loyal followers want to be treated to another great performance from her.

However, in this particular project, she has to "share" a lot of screen time with Luis and John Lloyd, who play the more controversial and thus attention-calling roles in the production. Will they end up inadvertently upstaging or stealing the thespic thunder from her?

Again, we can bet that director Olivia Lamasan and Vilma herself are making sure that the film's focus is where it should be. It's a tough balancing act, but film professionals can be depended on to keep the film and its themes on even keel (knock on wood).

Success

Of course, viewers will have the last say once the film starts its run in theaters later this month. If the film does become both a popular and critical success, its makers can congratulate themselves for making their daring move pay off for everyone concerned.

They could even encourage other mainstream producers to also step out of their comfort zones and make movies that challenge rather than affirm tired, old plots, characters, attitudes and themes.

Most of the time, only "indie" filmmakers dare to do this, but most of their movies don't reach that many viewers. With more mainstream producers deciding to dare (without having to bare), the huge Filipino film audience shall be better served.