The story centres on Jimmy George, played by Rami Malek, a charismatic downtown performance artist and theatre figure living in New York at a time when the AIDS epidemic was affecting many members of the artistic community. Despite facing serious illness, Jimmy remains determined to continue creating, loving and connecting with the people around him. The narrative follows his relationships with his long-time partner Dennis, his sister Brenda and a younger neighbour who becomes fascinated by his energy and outlook on life. Rather than focusing solely on illness, the film examines the vitality, humour and artistic spirit that continue to define Jimmy’s world.
According to the Cannes Film Festival, Sachs conceived the film as a “musical fantasy in a city in crisis,” drawing inspiration from his own experiences of living in New York during the late 1980s. Many of his friends and acquaintances worked in the performing arts, and the film serves in part as a tribute to people he knew during that period. Festival materials note that the director wanted to capture moments of genuine joy, celebration and creativity even in the face of adversity.
Ira Sachs has long been one of the most respected voices in American independent cinema. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, he began making films in the 1990s and gained international recognition with works such as Forty Shades of Blue (2005), Keep the Lights On (2012), Love Is Strange (2014), Little Men (2016), Frankie (2019) and Passages (2023). His films are often characterised by intimate storytelling, emotionally complex characters and a naturalistic style that explores relationships, family dynamics and personal identity. The Man I Love reunites him with long-time collaborator Maurício Zacharias, who co-wrote the screenplay.
The film also attracted attention for its cast. Academy Award winner Rami Malek leads the ensemble, joined by Tom Sturridge, Rebecca Hall, Luther Ford and Ebon Moss-Bachrach. Malek performs several musical numbers in the film, including the George Gershwin standard that gives the movie its title. His casting represented a new challenge for the actor, who described the role as unlike any he had previously undertaken.
During the Cannes press conference, Sachs discussed his approach to the story and its historical setting. Referring to one of his key inspirations, he cited Maurice Pialat’s Van Gogh, describing it as “bursting with life, sex, desire, creation, music and dance” despite focusing on a man nearing the end of his life. Sachs explained that he wanted to bring a similar sense of vitality to The Man I Love.
The director also emphasised that the film was inspired by memories of artists and performers he knew in New York, many of whom faced immense challenges while continuing to create and celebrate life. That perspective gives The Man I Love a deeply personal dimension. By combining music, theatre and human connection, the film stands as both a portrait of a particular moment in New York cultural history and a tribute to the enduring power of art and friendship.
Credits:
The Man I Love (USA)
Directed by Ira Sachs
