🎬 Gay-Themed Movies That I Like (2)

 

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🎬 The Imitation Game

UK, 2014. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Direction: Morten Tyldum
Writer: Graham Moore
Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode, Rory Kinnear, Charles Dance 

Running time: 113 minutes

Key words: Drama, Biography, History

Synopsis:

"The Imitation Game" centers on the mathematician and codebreaker, Alan Turing, as he leads a team of cryptanalysts during World War II.

Tasked with deciphering the German Enigma code, Turing faces numerous challenges, both intellectual and personal.

The plot unfolds through flashbacks to Turing's adolescence, revealing his struggles with his clandestine homosexuality. As the team races against time to crack Enigma, interpersonal conflicts arise, and Turing grapples with his own secrets.

After his pivotal codebreaking efforts during World War II, Alan Turing faced a tragic turn of events. Despite his contribution to the victory against Nazi Germany, the very society he helped save turned against him: Turing was prosecuted for gross indecency due to his homosexuality, a criminal offense at the time. From that moment on, Turing's life took a dark turn.

FYI: Alan Turing was a pioneering mathematician, logician, and computer scientist. His groundbreaking work laid the foundation for modern computing. During World War II, Turing played a crucial role in breaking the German Enigma code, contributing significantly to the Allied victory. Despite his brilliance, Turing faced persecution for his homosexuality, which was then criminalized in the UK. In 1952, he was convicted of gross indecency, leading to chemical castration. Tragically, Turing died by apparent suicide on June 7, 1954.

Reception:

"The Imitation Game" received widespread acclaim for its compelling portrayal of Alan Turing's life and contributions. Benedict Cumberbatch's performance as Turing garnered particular praise, capturing the complexity of the brilliant yet tormented mathematician. 

The film's success helped bring attention to Turing's legacy and the historical injustices he endured, notably the judicial "conversion therapy" he was ordered to follow to avoid incarceration.

🎬 Call Me By Your Name

Italy/USA, 2017. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐💖

Direction: Luca Guadagnino
Writer: André Aciman (novel), James Ivory (screenplay)
Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Armie Hammer, Michael Stuhlbarg

Running time: 132 minutes

Key words: Drama

Synopsis:

"Call Me By Your Name" is a coming-of-age drama set in the sun-drenched summer of 1983 in Northern Italy. The story revolves around Elio Perlman, a precocious 17-year-old, and Oliver, a 24-year-old graduate student staying with Elio's family.

As the summer unfolds, the initial awkwardness between Elio and Oliver morphs into a passionate and emotionally charged romance.

The lush Italian landscapes provide a picturesque backdrop to the unfolding love affair. Elio grapples with his burgeoning feelings, torn between desire and societal expectations. Oliver, initially reserved, succumbs to the allure and candor of Elio's youthful exuberance. Their relationship intensifies against the backdrop of art, literature, and the palpable heat of the Italian countryside.

As the summer draws to a close, the characters are faced with the inevitability of parting ways. The film explores the bittersweet nature of love, the complexities of self-discovery, and the lasting impact of a transformative relationship. "Call Me By Your Name" beautifully captures the ephemeral magic of a summer romance, leaving a lingering sense of longing and nostalgia.

Reception:

"Call Me By Your Name" received widespread acclaim for its captivating storytelling, evocative cinematography, and stellar performances. The film resonated with both audiences and critics alike, earning praise for its sensitive exploration of love and identity. 

Timothée Chalamet's portrayal of Elio and Armie Hammer's performance as Oliver garnered particular acclaim, showcasing a rare on-screen chemistry.

"Call Me By Your Name" was honored with numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

🎬 Flawless

USA, 1999. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Direction: Joel Schumacher
Writer: Joel Schumacher
Cast: Robert De Niro, Philip Seymour Hoffman

Running time: 112 minutes

Key words: Drama, Comedy

Synopsis:

"Flawless" is a 1999 drama film directed by Joel Schumacher. The story revolves around Walt Koontz (played by Robert De Niro), a retired cop left speechless after a stroke.

Walt is assigned to a rehabilitative program that includes singing lessons with Rusty Zimmerman (played by Philip Seymour Hoffman), a talented but struggling drag queen and performer. Rusty, initially hesitant to work with an intolerant and prejudiced former cop, agrees to assist Walt in regaining his speech through vocal training.

As the unlikely duo begins working together, a deep bond  and unconventional friendship form between them. Throughout their journey, Walt and Rusty confront their personal demons and challenge the societal norms that attempt to confine them.

"Flawless" is a heartwarming tale of transformation and the unanticipated bonds that can form between individuals from seemingly disparate walks of life.

Reception:

"Flawless" received mixed reviews from critics upon its release in 1999. While some praised the performances of Robert De Niro and Philip Seymour Hoffman, as well as the film's exploration of themes like tolerance and acceptance, others found fault with the screenplay and execution.

 "Flawless" has gained a modest following over the years for its unique storyline and the chemistry between De Niro and Hoffman.

🎬 Strawberry & Chocolate

Cuba, 1993. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐💖

Direction: Tomás Gutiérrez Alea, Juan Carlos Tabío
Writers: Tomás Gutiérrez Alea, Senel Paz
Cast: Jorge Perugorría, Vladimir Cruz, Mirta Ibarra

Running time: 108 minutes

Key words: Drama, Comedy

Synopsis:

One of my all-time favorite gay-themed movies (and books).

Set in Castro's Havana (Cuba), the story revolves around the unlikely friendship that blossoms between two men from different worlds.

Diego, a staunch communist and university student, encounters David, a free-spirited and openly gay artist.

Diego, committed to the ideals of the Cuban Revolution, is initially sent by the government to spy on David, suspecting him of anti-revolutionary activities. However, as the two spend time together, a profound bond develops. Diego confronts his own prejudices and begins to question the rigid ideologies he once adhered to. Meanwhile, David introduces Diego to a world of art, literature, and personal expression, challenging the limitations imposed by the state.

 Against the backdrop of a politically charged Cuba, "Strawberry and Chocolate" sheds light on the complexities of human relationships, transcending boundaries of sexuality and political ideology.

FYI: Senel Paz, the Cuban author, wrote the short story "El lobo, el bosque y el hombre nuevo" ("The Wolf, the Forest, and the New Man,") in 1991. It served as the basis for the screenplay of the film. Senel Paz's work magnificently captured the essence of the characters Diego and David, providing a rich source material for the filmmakers to adapt and expand upon. I have read Paz's short novel multiples times, with always the same pleasure, and I strongly recommend buying the book if you can put your hands on a copy (often out of print).

Reception:

"Strawberry and Chocolate" received widespread acclaim for its compelling narrative and insightful exploration of complex social themes. The film was praised for its nuanced portrayal of friendship across ideological boundaries and its critique of societal norms. 

The novel's thematic depth and Paz's storytelling prowess contributed significantly to the success of "Strawberry and Chocolate," providing a compelling literary foundation for this brilliant cinematic exploration of love and friendship in a politically charged environment.

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