Tom Blyth Discusses Filming Intimate Scenes in New Gay Thriller "Plainclothes"

Tom Blyth on His Role in "Plainclothes"

Tom Blyth, recognized for his role in The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, is making waves in a new gay romantic thriller titled Plainclothes. Directed by Carmen Emmi, the film is set in 1990s Syracuse, New York, and explores the challenging and often hidden lives of LGBTQ+ individuals during that era.

Plot and Characters

Plainclothes tells the story of Lucas, portrayed by Blyth, a working-class undercover police officer. Lucas is part of a controversial operation targeting gay men for alleged public indecency. However, as Lucas delves deeper into his undercover role, he grapples with his own identity and burgeoning feelings for one of his targets, Andrew, played by Russell Tovey. This complex relationship is central to the film’s narrative, highlighting themes of love, identity, and societal expectations.

Behind the Scenes

Carmen Emmi, the director, drew inspiration for the film from real-life events. In an interview, Emmi shared that the idea for Plainclothes emerged in 2016 after reading about undercover police operations targeting gay men in a Los Angeles Times article. This, coupled with personal experiences and conversations with his brother, who was entering law enforcement, led to the creation of Lucas’s character.

"Around that time, when I read the article, my brother was becoming a police officer and through my conversations with him and thinking about my own coming out experience, the character of Lucas was born," Emmi explained. Setting the film in the 90s was also significant for Emmi, as it reflected a period in his life when he began suppressing his own feelings.

Intimacy and Collaboration

The film’s intimate scenes were crafted with care and precision. Blyth and Tovey collaborated closely with intimacy coordinator Joey Massa to ensure these moments were both authentic and comfortable for the actors. "It was really intimate, really vivid, and Joey [Massa, the intimacy coordinator] was incredible," Blyth shared. "It felt very organic." This collaborative approach allowed the actors to "take control" and choreograph the scenes in a way that felt natural to them.

Blyth emphasized the importance of feeling empowered during these scenes. "It felt like we rehearsed it in a way where I think Russell and I both were made to feel confident and comfortable enough that we could lead it. I think it works best when the actors feel emboldened to be able to take control of the choreography and make it feel organic," he stated.

Surprising Discoveries

For Blyth, the role was not just a professional challenge but also an eye-opener regarding LGBTQ+ history. He admitted to being unaware of how long such sting operations continued, initially believing they were a relic of the mid-20th century. "I knew about it happening up until the ’50s, but I think I wrongly and naively assumed that it died out," Blyth confessed. The realization that these operations persisted into the later decades was both shocking and enlightening for him.

Upcoming Projects and Career

Aside from Plainclothes, Blyth is known for his portrayal of Coriolanus Snow in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, where he starred alongside Rachel Zegler. His career spans other notable roles in series such as Billy the Kid and The Gilded Age. Fans can also look forward to seeing him in the upcoming adaptation of Emily Henry’s novel People We Meet On Vacation.

As Plainclothes prepares for its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, anticipation builds. The film promises to not only entertain but also provoke thought and dialogue about identity, equality, and the hidden histories of the LGBTQ+ community.

The journey of creating Plainclothes has been as much about storytelling as it has been about uncovering and confronting truths from the past. For Emmi, the film represents a personal journey of understanding and acceptance. "I think that I made this as a way for my 7-year-old self to finally exhale," he reflected.

With its compelling narrative and talented cast, Plainclothes is poised to make a significant impact both within and beyond the LGBTQ+ community.