Baron when he's vulnerable

All that angst and pain is paying off for Baron Geisler. Fresh from his victory as a homosexual in the award-winning indie film Jay, Baron just came back from Venice, where he attended the film festival honoring the said work.

The guests are a Hollywood movie fan’s dream: Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Mickey Rourke and Claudia Schiffer.

“Mickey Rourke was standing right behind me,” recalls Baron. “But I was too shy to approach him.”

Besides, acting like a movie fan is not too flattering for any actor in the festival, who went there to watch films from around the world, not to ogle at stars. Baron enjoyed his fill of critically-acclaimed films, studying various acting nuances he can use in future projects. He also noted directorial styles.

What he found echoes what other people say of local films.

“We talk a lot in our films,” he says at the blessing of George Optical’s new branch at SM Megamall. “I saw this French film where only the actor’s intense eyes do the talking. Thus, you understand the plot even if you can’t grasp the language.”

Venice inspired Baron to think international. In fact, he wants to hook up with Alvin Anson, who has extensive links with foreign producers.

Baron admits joining PBB (Pinoy Big Brother) changed him for the better.

“I used to be a loner,” he owns up. “Now, I’ve learned to mingle with others.”

It also helped that Baron gets to work with the best, like director Brillante Mendoza. Now, he’s only too happy to work with director Mark Meily in the Metro Filmfest entry Baler, where Baron plays the head of the Spanish battalion. He’s a bida-contrabida in the remake of Eva Fonda.

The roles are heaven-sent for someone willing to play any part on film or TV, no matter how small. Having work, after all, is a blessing in itself, especially in these hard times.

“I don’t take things for granted,” says Baron.

Luckily for Baron, he is not wanting in character roles that assure longevity more than leading man ones.

And while he counts his blessings, Baron can’t help but ask for one more: That he stars in a romance-drama that will show his vulnerable side. It’s the other side of him people don’t see, and know. It’s the side Baron is now willing to show, after all those angry, bad boy roles he’s been playing.

“I don’t want to be typecast,” he says. “I can also be sweet on the set,” he reveals.

Baron figures that he can do a Robin Padilla: Romance his leading ladies while maintaining that tough stance he’s known for.

After all, while Baron projects roughness and the machismo with his aviator shades, he can also be soft and sweet if he wants to.

“I’m fond of shades,” he reveals. “They come in handy whenever I have to go somewhere and must hide my puffy eyes because I just had an overextended shooting or taping.”

Optometrist Jessalyn Co, wife of George Optical owner Dr. Geoffrey Co, suggests, “Baron can try those big, bold shades that are the trend these days. They come in different colors.”

He can also look at branded names, like Rayban, Oakley, Calvin Klein, Guess and Versace that are available at the 48th anniversary sale which will last until Oct. 31 in all its 14 branches.

And while he’s making his choices, Baron has only one consideration: Comfort. “That’s No. 1 on my list,” he says.

It’s function first, form second. In his choice of shades as it is in life, Baron can do away with the frills.