Julian Hernandez's cinematic influence on the film "Broken Sky" is profound and distinctive, reflecting his unique approach to storytelling and the exploration of gay male experiences. The essay underlines the central theme of Hernandez's films, which revolves around gay men in search of happiness, navigating the complexities of desire, attraction, and emotional connection.
There is a definite underappreciation of Julian Hernandez in the realm of gay cinema. Despite being one of the most canny filmmakers of the genre, Hernandez remains relatively unknown to many gay audiences and is often overlooked by film reviewers as Hernandez's work defies conventions of stereotypes that exist even within the gay community. He doesn't conform to the patterns seen in the works of more mainstream Mexican directors. "Broken Sky" is an excellent example of his avant-garde approach to filmmaking, delving into elements of Mexican cultural identity, incorporating Mexican pop music, and shared cultural experiences. Julian Hernandez often incorporates a playful, nearly pantomime, quality in his films, relying more heavily on visuals and music rather than dialogue. The filmmaker's meticulous attention to the physical expressions of his actors, capturing the minutiae of facial features, and the nuances of movements both mundane and erotic, contributes to the immersive and intimate nature of his storytelling. This is particularly evident in “Broken Sky” as the film is nearly devoid of dialogue.
