GLBT Films

In the trajectory of GLBT cinema, one is bound to analyze society as it sees such a rare and forbidden topic. From the first tabooed silents to the more open modern films, this documentary provides insight into the reasons behind the homophobic public. Covering over one hundred films with homosexual under- and overtones, you are likely to think beyond the norm; why IS the unknown minority enclosed, ostracized and ridiculed? Although it may be an uncomfortable viewing experience for the majority, it informs straightforwardly, providing accounts and details that will express the fact that all are human regardless of the sexual preference.

"Gozu" is proof of a genius.

Powerful, stark and definitely not for everyone, "Mysterious Skin" covers homosexuality and pedophilia like few other films do. Among the taboo subjects, there's mentionable acting and obviously the factor that pulls everyone in for the final blow - mysteriousness. Watch it as soon as you can; highly recommended.

All-around powerful acting in a classic, albeit aged, then-considered indecent film. "Rebel Without a Cause" adequately portrays adolescent issues from various angles via the three talented teenage leads. Films that capture America in the Fifties provoke the strongest case of nostalgia for me. It's what explains the four stars, but even with personal ratings and although somewhat overhyped because of Dean's death, I think it deserves its iconic status. After all, it is dated because of the incremented teenage rebellion that was foreseen.

Orgies, homosexual relationships, defective orgasms, voyeurism, attempted suicide... we get it! But is there a point to all of this? Does the director like to appall the audience instead of satisfying them (Storyline-wise)? No; in fact, he delivers an entwining and balanced adult-themed plot that encompasses the aforesaid controversial matter in an animated yet cohesive manner. Surely, when a film like this isn't judged upon because of its "odd" content, it ends up winning.

Upon further analysis, I've decided that "Salo," despite its relatively "shocking" contents, is quite powerful. The allegory manifested in its unadulterated state, alone, lifts this above other kitsch. Even with pedophilia, urinary sex, coprophagy, etc., this fascist retelling provides great cinematography, twisted humor, and a great ending, summing up the few moments of pureness and converting them into what ever you would expect from irreligious regimes. But did Pasolini really deserve to die after some innocuous philosophizing? (Rhetorical...)
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I was finally able to get the highly under appreciated score from this movie, composed by Morricone, on Youtube. It's addicting to listen to (Which, coincidentally, ties in with the movie's message):

Salo Opening Title

"Tras el Cristal" is a very controversial and darkly disturbing movie. It's about a closeted pedophile who - while immobile in his essential glass cage (It's his respirator) - gets perversely blackmailed years after committing wretched acts. It moves at a very slow pace and can really get under your skin. Its ending is too metaphorical. I think that even if you do understand it, it'd be lame and in some ways unrealistic. Ingmar Bergman did the whole 'glass = metaphor for reflection of characteristics' premise better in "Through a Glass Darkly."

Maybe I'm rating it too high... impressive acting, though. Paul Dano didn't annoy me in this movie.

Proof of Pacino's impressive contribution as an actor and a testament of Friedkin's varied talent. "Cruising" is not your typical mystery or GLBT film; rather, it's a subdued psychological drama mixed with some historical significance. There are two reasons for the negative criticism that's possibly present today: The controversial content concerning the gay community or the "graphic" murders. Yes, the befuddlement might irritate you; yes, it's slow at times, but such is the case about an investigative crime.

It's a bit different than what I had in mind, but this is still a must-see because:
-It's Kate Winslet and Melaine Lynskey's debut (A pretty good one)
-It's accurate, finely directed with incessantly ethereal cinematography
-It's a Peter Jackson film I actually enjoyed

The opening sequence strongly captivates you, but you're left with a fantasy-obsessed duo with lesbian under/overtones for the rest of the film until the haunting apogee makes its foreboding entrance. It's kind of like a mixture between "A Little Princess" and "Bully." What a combination! Yikes!

A very interesting character study. "O Fantasma" can be, at times, more explicit than "Mysterious Skin," though. But it's the unadulterated depictions that make this film so good: A socially isolated homosexual adapts canine characteristics from his relationship with his dog and as a result, develops a fetish for materialistic things and often acts with an animalistic hybridity. As weird as it may sound, remember that it's a character study, which means that some scenes can be quite tedious. Though, have you ever wondered what would occur if the domesticated dog knew of its chain-breaking strength?

For me, it's not that great of an ending. All throughout, though, I loved every part of the Chinese culture that was shown.

Ok - I've finally found it. A film that creeps me out. And a film that actually makes my stomach churn. "Cannibal" is as brutal as it gets.

Why is the camera so close to EVERYTHING? It's to cause more disgust and it works damn well. Easily the most disturbing thing I've ever watched... For that I give it five stars. But minus 2.5 for actually making my stomach churn.

I still can't believe I saw this, but, crazy me.

Ignore the conspicuous soap opera/play-intended acting; laugh and feel disgusted while watching "Pink Flamingos." I really thought I was going to hate this but it's too weird to dislike.

"Convicted of assholism." hahaha