Muling magpapamalas ng panibagong atake sa kanyang paggawa ng pelikula si Jay Altarejos via Laruang Lalake. Siya rin ang director ng mga controversial and critically-acclaimed gay-themed films na Ang Lalake sa Parola at Ang Lihim ni Antonio.
Ayon sa blog site ni Lex Bonife na Lexuality: "Laruang Lalake is a realist film that portrays the people within the gay film industry and their personal stories—from the naughty to the gritty, from the horny to the hopeful.
"Created by Joselito Altarejos with the script from Lex Bonife, the film weaves the short journey of an ambitious probinsiyano actor, Samuel (Arjay Carreon), an idealistic film staff (Mark Fabillar) who is secretly in love with an actor and a filmmaker on the brink of bankruptcy (Richard Quan).
"The film also features the daring Marco Morales, as a comeback actor willing to do everything to [make] a name for himself.
"As the camera grinds between naked bodies in homoerotic play, it's all in a day's work for everyone in an industry operating in a society that is yet to accept the Filipino gay man."
Ayon nga kay Direk Jay, iba ang tema ng Laruang Lalake sa mga nagawa na niyang gay-themed films tulad nga ng Ang Lalake sa Parola at Ang Lihim ni Antonio. Isama na rin diyan ang iba pa niyang ginawa tulad ng Ang Laro sa Buhay ni Juan, Kambyo at Little Boy... Big Boy.
"Laruang Lalake might seem like a gay film, but after watching it, one will realize that it is about the making of a gay film. It does not tackle issues on homosexuals and homosexuality.
"It only shows how an independent gay film is made. How different characters are motivated by economics in doing the film Laruang Lalake," paliwanag ni Direk Jay.
Hindi rin nga alam ni Direk Jay kung magiging kasing-kontrobersyal ito tulad ng mga nagawa na niyang mga pelikula.
"I don't know if it will create as much stir or controversy as Antonio or Parola. Iba kasi ang mga iyon as compared dito sa Laruang Lalake.
"But since it's based on Lex Bonife's observation and research, meron sigurong mga elements sa movie that people will find controversial. Let's just wait and see for their reactions. Ayoko naman silang pangunahan, di ba?" ngiti pa niya.
Usually ay mga baguhang artista ang nakakatrabaho ni Direk Jay sa kanyang mga pelikula. Tulad nga ni Harry Laurel sa Parola at Kenjie Garcia sa Antonio. Dito sa Laruang Lalake ay dalawang baguhan ang nakatrabaho niya. Sina Arjay Carreon at Mark Fabillar.
"I like working with new actors. Nandoon pa kasi yung raw talent nila na gusto mong i-mold. Lalo na sa mga tulad ng mga pelikulang ganito.
"In fairness, my actors in Laruang Lalake are competent. Arjay Carreon fits the innocent newbie. Swak sa kanya yung binigay na role. As well as Mark Fabillar who showed sincerity in his role as the production assistant. Both of them photograph really well. Maganda ang mga rehistro nila sa screen.
"I'm also picky in working with other actors. Pinipili ko yung alam kong madali kong makakatrabaho and could deliver their respective roles well. Like sina Richard Quan and Mon Confiado. Ever-reliable ang dalawang yan. They play the director and producer respectively.
"Dexter Doria is also great to work with. She makes a cameo in the film as a member of the MTRCB.
