Mainstream media often treats Brokeback Mountain as the first gay-themed movie made since The Rocky Horror Picture Show. ‘
The truth is that it wasn’t, and it didn’t push any envelopes.’ In fact, Brokeback Mountain would have to take two buses, a train and a lengthy car ride just to get into the same zip code as the envelope. ‘
The LGBT community has been making movies for decades, and there are thousands of movies out there. ‘
Some of the best are in foreign languages, there are still plenty of great LGBT-themed movies for people who would rather snuggle up with their popcorn without reading.
First on the list, not because of its superiority but because of its originality, is The Boys in the Band. ‘
Arguably the first truly gay-themed movie, this 1970 classic started as a play and will leave viewers in a state of awe.’
‘The first time I saw it, I thought it was really depressing, but now I really love it,’ creative writing major John Johnson said.’
Next on the list is Bent.’ This film examines the Nazi persecution of homosexuals, and even has a Mick Jagger cameo as the world’s most hideous drag queen. ‘
Bent is unique among Holocaust-themed movies in that it doesn’t focus on the horrific physical aspects of internment camps, but rather on their psychological effects on prisoners and the strength of the human spirit.
Imagine Me & You is a popular British romantic comedy among LGBT students that begins as a classic tale of girl meets boy, but then girl meets girl after marrying said boy.’
‘ In a survey among LGBT students this movie was described as being ‘wonderful,’ ‘spectacular,’ and ‘a must see.’ ‘
Another popular title among students and critics alike is Boys Don’t Cry. This biography tells the story of Brandon Teena, a transsexual male who was raped and murdered by his friends in 1993 after they learned that he was born with female genitalia. ‘
The plot is driven by an avalanche of misfortunes that befall the ill-fated protagonist, and serves as a heart-wrenching reminder of the pain caused by irrational hatred and bigotry.
Rounding off the list is a title that polarizes the gay community, Another Gay Movie. ‘
This LGBT-themed spoof of American Pie serves up a relentless maelstrom of raunchy gay humor built upon a firm foundation of stereotypes. ‘
Senior journalism major Melanie Pang said it was ‘awful,’ and law student Vikkey Packard said it was ‘lewd.’ It’s a film certain to make more conservative viewers uncomfortable.
Art is subjective, but hopefully these films will whet the appetites of those uninitiated with LGBT-themed cinema, or will be viewed in the future by those who may have missed them.
For further information on these and other films, please visit www.imdb.com.’
