This documentary takes a closer look at homosexual depiction in cinema throughout history. I believe it is only human nature to want to be represented within the media of one's culture. When african americans turned on the television they hardly ever saw people who looked like them, the same went for homosexuals. Cinema frowned upon open expressions of homosexuality.
When homosexuality was originally expressed in film it was something to poke fun at. Only the extreme stereotypes of gay life were depicted, men dressed up in formal gowns and women in suits. The men were laughed at while the women were viewed as appealing to both sexes. These images sent out negative stereotypes of disgust toward the gay community. But still many members of the gay community thought it was better to have a negative depiction in the film than no depiction at all. They searched for validation that they weren't alone and that in fact they did exist.
Much of the early cinema regarding homosexuality warned people against them. It also suggested that it was a "disease" which could be "cured". They were viewed as monsters in some films. Since this was a prevalent them in homosexual references, those who wishes to openly show homosexuality in a positive manor had to do so using subliminal messages. The actors had to learn homosexual cues while the gay audience had to be able to look for signs.
Openly showing sexual perversion was one of the last taboos present within cinema. Gay men and women always had to hide in the shadows, with ideas that they will never find love and even if they do they must die. It didn't help that the word fagot was openly used as an insult for all people, not just homosexuals. It is funny home America would show violence on the big screen before human sexuality. That says a lot about our culture.
In the end gay cinema was allowed to air but there is still caution in producing a "gay" film. It is still believed that if an actor stars in one of these films, then their career is sure to end. I do hope one day this image will change and homosexuals will be openly shown in the movie theaters. But until then, let us cling to Brokeback Mountain and Bound for inspiration.
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