The Celluloid Closet

          The Celluloid Closet is a must see documentary surveying the various Hollywood depictions of homosexuals throughout the history of North American film. In relation to gender norms, this film touches on what it means to be a man or women in the 1960’s. It was a scary place for gays because they felt criminalized for thinking certain ways. It was a confession of sort to come out of the closet followed by tears and lost relationships. Many argue this feeling of guilt has subsided, but I do not think that is true. I believe people still fall victim to this belief that their sexuality defines them and that they must confess their true feelings. 

            I felt the same pressure as many people coming to terms with their sexuality in the 60’s because people still assimilate negativity with homosexuals. Thus, our coming out experience is no less of a confession of our guilt. What are we guilty of? Being ourselves? Love is love as far as I’m concerned. Even off camera, actors and actresses did not discuss these troubles. And when they are on screen having these powerful performances, it’s amazing how accurate they can portray coming out.

            Movies have enormously shaped our culture and perspective of people, which still lingers todays. If filmmakers were more responsible in the past, society’s collective view of gays might be less troublesome today. I found that movies had so much to do with stereotyping homosexuals and how they should act. It’s profound how much of an impact film have on how gays act and how we treat them in reality. The documentary touches on England census takers; they would ask you if you have met a homosexual. If the answer was yes, they would ask what they were like, “just like everyone else,” responded Quentin Crisp. If they answered no, they would describe someone with grand gestures and a vibrant personality (rolls eyes). On a lighter note, I believe we have come along way since it was taboo and I hope we can continue moving in this direction.