MovieChat Forums > Shelter (2009) Discussion > Thoughts on Brad Rowe as Shaun?

Thoughts on Brad Rowe as Shaun?

posted 11 years ago by ummmagumma
8 replies | jump to latest

I'm kind of iffy about Rowe's performance as Shaun. There's something about him that made it feel kind of awkward to watch him together with Wright, and it doesn't help that he strongly resembles my Christian youth pastor. To me he just gives off this uncle/father-figure vibe; like when Zach and Shaun would hug, I just saw an uncle hugging his favorite nephew. Or a pastor hugging his favorite little Christian. Other than the bed scenes of course, that was a little different.

I like that he is portrayed as a pretty average, laid-back guy, but sometimes I just didn't feel it. Like the scene where Zach is telling Shaun about getting into CalArts and he asks if he can stay with Shaun, it's such a "sure man, you're my bro and bros look out for each other" reaction from Shaun that it just doesn't seem real to me (though the script can be to blame for some of that, but still). I'm not sure if it's his age or his acting, which wasn't actually too bad, but maybe wasn't convincingly gay enough. I wouldn't have minded a recast though.

I'm sure you all have other opinions on this and I'd love to hear them. I actually really enjoyed the movie, but I'm just curious what other people think.

Alec, did you ever dream you had a friend? Someone to last your whole life?

[–] blindvias-071407 10 years ago

I found Zach and Shaun were portrayed in a very authentic way.

[–] ummmagumma 10 years ago

I think what I was trying to say back in August was that Rowe and Wright had very little chemistry. I believe that the characters themselves were very refreshing and authentic, yes, but not together. Things between the two actors just seemed very forced, like you could tell they felt a bit awkward playing gay men (Rowe more strongly). Basically, it was the actors, not the characters. I think there should've been a different guy playing Shaun because Rowe doesn't really make it convincing enough. Chemistry between actors is very important in movies (though I'm sure it's harder to get actors to play gay roles, so I don't blame the casting director... but Rowe could've put in a little more effort/research!)

[–] glennh69 10 years ago

I tend to agree with you. The characters were written quite well, and both Rowe and Wright were acceptable--but the casting could have been better.

Interestingly, this was not Rowe's first foray into a gay-themed indie. He was also the object of Sean Hayes' affection in Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss. As such, I would've thought he would pick up better insight into playing a gay character.

[–] blindvias-071407 10 years ago

Brad seemed to need a little more practice kissing a guy and making it look passionate. Zach was certainly a lot more dynamic a person, while Shaun more stoic. To me Zach was quite believable as a noble, young man from lower/middle class San Pedro. Brad Rowe is much older, by 12 years, so the casting was a bit of a stretch on that count. I really liked Ross Thomas as Gabe. He was good as the straight friend/younger brother/beach dude type.

[–] CBW-2 10 years ago

You are possibly right about Rowe, but the script is so brilliant and so is Trevor Wright. So, it's not that distracting to me A movie where you just know the Shaun character went out and bought new batteries for that walky-talky just fills me with joy. I guess I love the material so much I can overlook some elements not being quite right.

Charles

[–] setokaiba238 8 years ago

I think the 12 year age difference is probably the issue because I felt that way as well. There was one part where Shaun mentions Zach's mother and my immediate thought was 'of course he knew her, they're practically the same age.' It can be difficult to buy a love story between a guy who's 25 but looks 20 and another guy who's clearly pushing 40. The chemistry probably would have been a lot more believable if they'd chosen a younger actor to play Brad, and I think it showed in his performance. To me, he looked uncomfortable at times having to kiss a man so much younger than him. Overall though, I'd say this was a pretty solid movie for an indie film.

[–] bpoz 8 years ago

Brad Rowe was my favorite thing about Shelter. I cared about all the characters, and certainly the enormous responsibility that Zach chose to shoulder was noble and heartwarming, but for me Shaun was the anchor.

I thought he gave a relaxed performance and seemed perfectly comfortable in all their scenes. And I appreciated the subtlety of his expressions when Zach was clearly struggling with some of the aspects of their relationship and Shaun could see that but didn't draw attention to it. As well as his ease with being intimate with Zach and open about his feelings. Shaun dove in heart first and stayed the course and I felt like Brad did that too. I can't imagine anyone else in the role and I'm not sure I'd enjoy it as much without him.

[–] smoothhoney1265 8 years ago

I thought Shaun was wonderful. Brad Rowe in this role was one of my personal highlights in this film. I liked how Shaun tried to get closer to Zach without pushing it. He gave him the time he needed. Overall he was a very nice, decent guy. Loved it.