Though shot about three years ago, Winners is now being released for the first time – several months after the death of its director.  It is well worth the wait, in spite of obvious evidence that the final polish was never applied.

Jennings gives a memorable performance as a young man who becomes hypnotized by the winning entries in a photography contest and places himself in the picture as it becomes sensually and sexually alive.  A jungle fantasy, a barnyard duo, a weight room encounter, a leather scene, and a final episode in a dorm room constitute the five episodes, all of which provide fine examples of the director’s special touch.

But editing cues left in the tape (“dissolve to gallery,” etc.) and the uneven editing itself clearly reveals that what we are seeing is not a polished product.  Nonetheless, few directors can surpass Reynolds at his best, and Winners is a fitting tribute to his memory.  It should do very well on the retail market.