Promotions for Paul Verhoeven’s Benedetta inspired me to revisit two films about repressed gay Catholics. Priest’s hypocritical Father Greg harms others by inaction. The brutal Bishop in Lilies destroys two lives. Both films are extremely triggering so be warned. Spoilers … Continue reading LGBT Movies: Priest (1994) and Lilies (1996)

A writer investigates the suicide of a young woman. Eva Henning plays the role, in flashbacks, with a bone deep sadness. This quiet intensity allows men to paint their own fantasies upon her. Girl with Hyacinths has been called the … Continue reading LGBT Movies: Girl with Hyacinths (1950)

In 2020’s The Christmas House the Mitchell family dealt with the stress of divorce, adoption and potential unemployment. All while decorating their house for the holidays. Hallmark strayed from their romcom formula and audiences approved. In The Christmas House 2: … Continue reading LGBT Movies: The Christmas House 2: Deck Those Halls (2021)

Is it possible to have too much Madeline Kahn? Happy Birthday, Gemini answers yes. But it’s not her fault. The role of Bunny Weinberger was a supporting part in Albert Innaurato’s hit Off-Broadway play. A blowsy neighbor who provided comic … Continue reading LGBT Movies: Happy Birthday, Gemini (1980)

This one’s rough. A gay man marries a lesbian for a green card. They soon realize they are attracted to each other. Bisexuality is not discussed in A Different Story. Neither is pansexuality or sexual fluidity. Stella (Meg Foster) and … Continue reading LGBT Movies: A Different Story (1978)

During Brendan Behan’s short life, he joined the Irish Republican Army, served multiple prison sentences and became a celebrated writer. Then he drank himself to death at 41. His 1958 novel Borstal Boy recounts the years he spent in borstal … Continue reading LGBT Movies: Borstal Boy (2000)

In 1890 Oscar Fingal O’Flahertie Wills Wilde published the novel The Picture of Dorian Gray. His star would rise quickly. In February of 1895 his play The Importance of Being Earnest opened in London. In May of that year, he … Continue reading LGBT Movies: The Trials of Oscar Wilde (1960)

James Whale directed Hollywood classics like Frankenstein, The Invisible Man and Show Boat. Now he’s retired and he wants to see his gardener naked. Gods and Monsters examines how artists process death. Whale channeled the traumas of the closet and … Continue reading LGBT Movies: Gods and Monsters (1998)

Jamie New, a gay teen, prepares for his drag debut in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. This joyous musical was adapted from a 2017 stage show and a 2011 documentary. On stage I found it fun but repetitive. The film trims … Continue reading LGBT Movies: Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

Wladziu Valentino Liberace was a talented musician. He was famous for his campy outfits and wicked sense of humor. Scandal derailed his attempts to keep his personal life private. His sexuality had been on a “don’t ask, don’t tell” basis. … Continue reading LGBT Movies: Liberace: Behind the Music (1988)

In Wild Reeds four French youths debate politics and suffer unrequited love. André Téchiné’s autobiographical film allows homosexuals, communists, the workers and the middle classes to interact. They find acceptance and learn survival skills. There’s little plot but the characters … Continue reading LGBT Movies: Wild Reeds (1994)

Joe Bell, a blue-collar man, hikes across America to lecture on the dangers of bullying. His gay son, Jadin, tags along and asks him to look at his own prejudice. Joe Bell touches on issues of mental health and systemic … Continue reading LGBT Movies: Joe Bell (2020)

A lieutenant falls in love with an officer on the eve of the American Civil War. The realization of his homosexuality drives him to despair. South aired on November 24, 1959 as part of ITV’s Play of the Week series. … Continue reading LGBT Movies: South (1959)