Celebrity 
Published on May 31st, 2012 | by gracewinefield
As an American living in the UK, sometimes I forget that my native country actually doesn't have the same level of tolerance for an otherwise obvious human right such as civil partnerships (let alone same-sex marriage). It would be easy to blame religion as the spearhead driving through the masses; however, England is the country created on the back of a church while the US still strives (however unsuccessfully) to divide politics from God. I don't want to be a quitter, but as a representative of the USA their policies make me look like a total dick.
It was with an immense sense of relief, therefore, to hear President Obama finally come out of the closet as a supporter of gay marriage. Whatever it might do to his chances at the presidency (don't get me started on those fickle swing states) he has certainly sparked debate, conversation, and most notably a youth celebration on social networks and in the media. I finally get a chance to rally behind my government!
Back here in the UK, London is joining the universal Pride movement on the 28th of June with two weeks of events and parades happening all over the city. It seems appropriate, therefore, to celebrate the bravery of my current president and the majesty of Pride with a run down of (some of) the Top Queer Films Ever Made. The following films played a part in what my country could achieve in the near future. They leave me in no doubt that we would not be celebrating today without their courage, creativity, and sheer faith in humanity's (eventual) capacity to understand.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975): The classic cult example of midnight screenings, costume competitions, and inexplicable throwing of food items came out in a decade still reeling from the Stonewall Riots. The film's slightly manic spirit matched much of the LGBT community and the new-found feelings of defiance. Tim Curry's iconic cross-dressing doctor is the MC of the show, guiding the characters and audience into a world where inhibitions are peeled away like the skin of an orange to reveal the Id on the inside. It's a true benchmark in the world of queer film and the boundary that was broken (the simple idea that there are no boundaries) is an important idea when considering equal rights for all.
Torch Song Trilogy (1989): Named for its original stage play in three parts, Harvey Fierstein's black comedy is an example of how similar the inhabitants of the human race are. As he sings torch songs in New York nightclubs, Fierstein's drag queen Arnold longs for stability and a family. Keeping in mind the original play was written in that same, turbulent decade of the 70s, it might have surprised people to see how steady and mature the film is. The expectation that everyone can experience the basic human instinct to nurture and foster a family hits home in today's society where gay couples are lobbying for just that. The film is Fierstein's torch song to the world, a sad and beautiful ballad calling out for a dream that, although intensely deserved, may not ever be realised.
Philadelphia (1993): Philadelphiawas a landmark movie for Hollywood FULL STOP. It stars Tom Hanks, who is just the sort of guy you would expect to take a risk for this role (he's just perfect, ain't he?) Hank's Andrew Beckett fights through the pain of his sickness and the persecution from his peers (including his own lawyer, an ageless Denzel Washington- I swear there's a painting of him somewhere getting older) to win back his rights and his dignity after being fired from work. The performance won Tom Hanks an Oscar and it still stands as one of the first blockbuster films to openly address the topics of AIDS/HIV and homosexuality. Top it off by considering that it was made in a time where people still thought you could get the disease by shaking hands…
Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001): John Cameron Mitchell made his beginnings in classic, family friendly musicals such as The Secret Garden and Big River. His breakthrough, however, was the off-Broadway cult smash and later film of Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Gritty, turbulent, and fraught with peril is Hedwig's quest to find her other half, one who will fit perfectly against her to make a "child of the sun." Mitchell's honest, out-there character is surprisingly easy to relate to and no matter how you interpret the ending, the victorious and uplifting finale is truly inspiring.
Mysterious Skin (2004): Mysterious Skinis one of those films that still needs as much plugging as it can get. Despite the novel's publication in 1991, the play's premiere in 2003, and the film's release in 2004, the story has yet to gain the attention it deserves. A nature versus nurture question is certainly raised, but mostly it shines a tiny but extremely bright spotlight on the reckless practice of male prostitution in New York and the dangers faced and expected as part of the job. A stellar performance from Joseph Gordon-Levitt combined with a genuinely intriguing mystery pulls audiences into two separate stories and leaves them to crumble in grief along with the protagonists when their paths finally meet.
Brokeback Mountain (2005): Oh yes, that film: Ang Lee's cowboy romance that really wasn't a romance. The sadness and loneliness of both Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhall; their shame, insecurity, and crippling poverty was the breakdown of a stereotype that rang more true of the Marlboro Man than Clint Eastwood. Although their performances were certainly worth the praise, the belief that they were the first is simply untrue. However, this works in a good way as ultimately it had a profound effect on a generation of kids who hadn't seen Philadelphia or Torch Song Trilogy, the same youth that are behind Obama today.
So which films have been left off the list? The critical acclaim that Milk and A Single Man received is strong reinforcement that queer film is still playing a large role in my country's growth. But how would you continue the Timeline?
And furthermore, when will the world be comfortable enough to call queer film…just film?
Follow Grace on Twitter @GracePlanetIvy
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Tags: angry inch, brokeback, denzel washington, fierstein, gay, gay scene, hedwig, ledger, mysterious skin, philadelphia, rocky horror, tom hanks, torch song
About the Author
gracewinefield Publisher. Schemer. Loves a good squeeze. Once gave Ian McKellen a hug and really won't let any one forget it, even though she probably should. Send her pie, please. And read her writing. Kthanxbye...
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