Passing Strangers & Forbidden Letters: Two Films by Arthur J. Bressan Jr. Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.5

Passing Strangers & Forbidden Letters: Two Films by Arthur J. Bressan Jr. Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf June 15, 2022

To celebrate the work of director Arthur J. Bressan, Jr. (“Buddies”), Altered Innocence goes the double feature route, presenting 1974’s “Passing Strangers” and 1979’s “Forbidden Letters” on this Blu-ray release, highlighting the helmer’s interests in the emotional lives of his characters and his fondness for hardcore sexual adventures.

“Passing Strangers” explores the burgeoning relationship between Tom (Robert Carnagey), an older man, and Robert (Robert Adams), a lonely high school student. The pair work out a relationship, first by correspondence and soon through physical contact, creating a love affair as they tour San Francisco.

“Forbidden Letters” tracks the brewing concern of Larry (Robert Adams), a young man awaiting the release of his lover, Richard (Richard Holt Locke), from prison. Joined by prostitute Iris for moral support, Larry recalls the early days of their relationship, while both men process their feelings about the reunion.

Bressan, Jr. looks to shape stories out of images, with both “Passing Strangers” and “Forbidden Letters” more about experiences than dramatic focus. The approach does supply a time capsule quality to the endeavors, with Bressan, Jr. capturing life in San Francisco during the 1970s, especially the burgeoning gay pride movement, with a parade experience offered at the end of “Passing Strangers.” The films move around the city and visit the great outdoors, and nightlife is detailed in “Forbidden Letters,” spotlighting the party scene on the streets.

Of course, there’s more to both films than tours of the San Francisco area, with “Passing Strangers” delivering a sensitive portrayal of human connection between curious men, watching their relationship unfold through letters and time together. It’s a sensual study of attraction and developing trust, and it connects more directly to viewers than “Forbidden Letters,” which explores a darker sense of doubt, sold through lengthy monologues and the reading of correspondence, with Bressan, Jr. aiming to be a bit more poetic with the endeavor, but ends up with a colder understanding of longing.

Passing Strangers & Forbidden Letters: Two Films by Arthur J. Bressan Jr. Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.35:1 aspect ratio) presentations for both "Passing Strangers" and "Forbidden Letters" do have visible signs of age, with jumpy frames and mild damage, along with scratches and speckling. Detail is satisfactory, capturing body particulars, including fine hairs and age. Street tours and nature visits carry compelling dimension. Color is used sparingly but retains vividness, with bright reds and deep blues, and ample skintones are natural. Black and white cinematography is balanced. Grain is heavy but film-like.

Passing Strangers & Forbidden Letters: Two Films by Arthur J. Bressan Jr. Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA tracks deliver clear dialogue exchanges, with most of the movies shot without sound, using copious amounts of voiceover. "Forbidden Letters" has a bit more fuzziness to deal with, but unintelligibility isn't threatened. Scoring cues and soundtrack selections offer satisfactory instrumentation, setting synth and acoustic moods.

Passing Strangers & Forbidden Letters: Two Films by Arthur J. Bressan Jr. Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Booklet (18 pages) features essays by Caden Mark Gardner and Arthur J. Bressan, Jr.

• And a Double Bill Trailer (1:54, HD) is included.

Passing Strangers

• Commentary features film historians Elizabeth Purchell, K.J. Shepherd, and Tyler Thomas.

• Q&A (18:35, HD) offers a conversation with actor Robert Adams.

• "Early Super 8 Shorts" (26:21, HD) collect various works from Arthur J. Bressan, Jr.

• And a Trailer (3:08, HD) is included.

Forbidden Letters

• Commentary features film historians Elizabeth Purchell and Caden Mark Gardner.

• Image Gallery (6:48) collects films tills, BTS snaps, newspaper ads, press releases, and VHS art.

• And a Trailer (4:25, HD) is included.

Passing Strangers & Forbidden Letters: Two Films by Arthur J. Bressan Jr. Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Both "Forbidden Letters" and "Passing Strangers" look to overcome their X-rated origins with sensitive portrayals of characters seeking to overcome their confusion and heartache, but lengthy scenes of sexual activity are included, occasionally making for an odd blend of sincerity and primal urges. More weirdness is encountered along the way (in "Passing Strangers," Robert masturbates to D.W. Griffith's 1919 film, "Broken Blossoms"), but the features largely concentrate on the personalities involved, with Bressan, Jr. trying to provide a psychological and physical appreciation of lovers wrestling with hesitation, insecurities, and fears as they embark on new experiences.