Hollywood Screen Depictions of Homosexuals - Research Paper Example

Introduction The different affiliations with homosexuals are one which has been identified by various social definitions and concepts. The Hollywoodscreen shows the different components that are a part of society in the attitudes toward homosexuals. More specifically, the homosexual identity has been created through the use of film which has created different signals about what it means to be gay or lesbian. The result from the films is a sense of marginalization that is created from a stigma about the attitudes and behaviors of homosexuals. Films have then been able to use the marginalization to build on the homosexual identity that is displayed within society. Influence of Movies on Homosexuality One of the concepts which are applied with homosexuality is based on the types of marginalization which have occurred within the film. This has influenced society as well as the definition of what it means to be gay specifically because of mixed signals. When looking at the overall evaluation of film and homosexuality, it can be seen that a mixture of definitions have been used to create the identity of those that are gay or lesbian. This is based on identifying characteristics first, specifically which creates a certain relationship in society. “For film has depicted homosexuality for a century in all manners of ways – implicit or blunt, tender or damning, with the greatest insight or with the crudest denigration. There has never been one clear course” (Barrios, 3). The concept of creating the homosexual character through these different identities has then become the main focus that is used in different films, each which changes with both the ideas in the films as well as the ideologies that are a part of society (Barrios, 4). Another concept which is a part of the main representation of homosexuals in movies is through the use of images. The characteristics are accompanied by what it means to be a gay or lesbian through the use of the characters looks. Décor, imagery, and character interactions where associated with being homosexual in different films. For instance, in The Detective, a movie in 1968, there is a specific association with gays by the décor that is used. Every homosexual is noticed subtly by the extra jewelry which is worn, specifically among the men. A different sense of identity can be seen in the 1978 film, A Different Story. In this movie, the homosexual man is represented as muscular and with the ability to fight off different men. These vast differences are noted in the looks of the characters, use of different costumes and make-up and the overall actions and relationships which are built with the homosexuals (Dyer, 7). History of Homosexuals and Film The beginning of film in the 1930s first depicted gays and lesbians as a marginalized group. During this time, there were very few characters that represented homosexuals. When this did occur, it was used as a comedic type of scene, such as a man cross dressing into a woman. The behaviors which followed this were based on more comedies, such as the man being recognized with an identity of a woman and which led to misleading interactions within society. The characters were defined only by their sexual preference and often were not incorporated into the mainstream of film. From the 1930s – 1950s, there was criticism about this specific portrayal of homosexuals by different equal rights movements. The movie corporations were forced to respond by creating a censorship code to the movies which prohibited explicit portrayal of homosexuals and instead limited the different identities to behaviors and manners. It was from this specific movement that the portrayal of gays and lesbians on film led into different identities that created a specific stigma among homosexuals (Mass, 132). The different parts of history that were occurring at specific times were part of the associations with image and identity and how this was created through film. The first era in film was also depicted with those who were homophobic, specifically which was a response to the 1960s movements. The women’s movement was followed with the gay movement, all which stated that equal rights for sexuality and sexual preference should be a part of society. However, these marginalized groups and the voice which was created also experienced a revolt from popular culture and mainstream society. The main movements were followed with depictions in Hollywood, such as Cruising. This particular film shows the contradictions of those who practice homosexuality, as well as those who are opposed to it. This shows a direct relationship to the movements which were occurring during the 1960s and 1970s, as well as the different reactions which were a part of the homophobic nature surrounding this (Wood, 66). After this time period, other issues began to come into the mainstream of society, specifically which began to change the image of gays and the homophobic nature which was a part of this. The first change was noted through the 1970s and the 1980s when the AIDs epidemic became associated with gays and lesbians. When one was noted as a gay or lesbian, there was a defined point that was related to the disease. Gay topics and depictions in the movies were based specifically with this disease and marginalized the group from the rest of the society through the belief that those which were homosexual were also more susceptible to have the AIDs disease. Creating this group identity led to a different type of homophobia in society while portraying a negative depiction of gays and lesbians. While there was a general acceptance in the 1980s of homosexuals because of the movies, there were also new biases which appeared with the characters in specific films (Sears, William, 430). After this time frame, the general social movement changed into a sense of tolerance and acceptance of marginalized cultures. The 1990s and to the present day has changed the representation of homosexuals into an identity which is more acceptable on the screen. However, different types of identity and characteristics of gays and lesbians have changed what it means to be homosexual. The gay walk, clothing, activities and the fashion statements of homosexuals are the main divisions which continue to occur. Examples of this are seen in The Birdcage, Philadelphia, Broke back Mountain and Flawless. Each of these films are known for creating a different identity with those in film, specifically by representing homosexuals through more positive behaviors and characteristics. Films such as Broke Back Mountain pushes this by conveying gays as not having a specific identity that is often attributed to men, such as fashion and lifestyle. While others show a specific gay depiction that marginalizes homosexuals through character, the general changes in film are to accept this as a marginalized group that shouldn’t lead to boundaries or a homophobic response in society (Gross, 508). Part of the change which occurred with Hollywood through the 1990s and into the present day is from the social acceptance and positive images that has become a demand through society. The presence of homosexuals in the media has now led to different expectations of the presence being in Hollywood. Because of the new demands of this marginalized group, Hollywood films continue to question the identity of gays and lesbians. The current films are now based on the ability to break the identity and to create a question of how homosexuals should be represented. For instance, newer films create an identity which could either be gay or straight while others show a distinct difference with the behaviors and mannerisms that are a part of this. The marginalization is then questioned on both sides while trying to create different meanings and a sense of identity with homosexuals as a specific identity (Tsai, 1534). Experiencing Marginalization with Film The different movements which have occurred in society have changed depictions within Hollywood film. However, there are still associations with marginalization and the way in which gays and lesbians are depicted on film. The behaviors and mannerisms are strongly associated with homosexuals both in society and through different movies. Homosexuals that are in movies are expected to undergo specific characteristics that continue to marginalize the characters. The depictions continue to work within film to match with the popular trends and beliefs about what it means to be gay or lesbian. Those who are now expected to play gay within the films and media are also required to portray a specific sense of sexuality on the film while using mannerisms that fit with the current stigma that marginalizes the group from others in the movie (Shiavi, 41). The marginalization that is still a part of today’s film is one which is now creating a gay – positive image that is moving into society. However, this image is one which is still seen with the same type of humor that was marked in the 1930s, only seen through the positive behaviors and mannerisms of those which are homosexual. The result is a different type of homophobia that is causing gays and lesbians to be a part of a different group of individuals that are marginalized from other social practices. The gay visibility which is now presented in America has come specifically from the icons that are created in the movies and which are furthered with the expected images and characteristics that are practiced by homosexuals. Clothing and fashion sense, different ways that gays or lesbians move, haircut styles and mannerisms are some of the many depictions that continue to set apart gays and lesbians from society, specifically through portrayals in media that continue to become recognized among those in society (Walters, 10). Conclusion The concept of gay and lesbian movements is one which is not only seen in society but also which is depicted on film. From the 1930s, the depiction of homosexuals was shown through either homophobia or with gay – positive depictions. The characteristics, mannerisms and behaviors are all shown with different elements in film to define the sexual preference of those that are in a specific segment of society. The result is a sense of marginalization that has been created between those who are homosexual as well as others who only accept specific types of mannerisms and behaviors from homosexuals in society. From the attitudes which have been created through actions and imagery, are different perceptions that have been created with homosexuals as well as various types of marginalization of identity that has occurred from different Hollywood films. Works Cited Barrios, Richard. Screened Out: Playing Gay in Hollywood from Edison to Stonewall. Routledge Publishing: New York, 2003. Dyer, Richard. The Matter of Images: Essays on Representation. Routledge Publishing: New York, 1993. Gross, Larry. “The Past and the Future of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies.” Journal of Communication 55 (3), 2005. Mass, Lawrence. Dialogues of the Sexual Revolution: Homosexuality as Behavior and Identity. Haworth Press: New York, 1990. Sears, James, Walter Williams. Overcoming Hereosexism and Homophobia: Strategies that Work. Columbia University Press: New York, 1997. Schiavi, Michael. “Looking for Vito.” Cinema Journal 49 (1), 2009. Tsai, Wan. “Assimilating the Queers: Representations of Lesbians, Gay Men, Bisexual, and Transgender People in Mainstream Advertising.” Advertising and Society Review 11 (1), 2010. Walters, Suzanna. All the Rage: The Story of Gay Visibility in America University of Chicago Press: Chicago, 2003. Wood, Robin. Hollywood from Vietnam to Reagan. Columbia University Press: New York, 1986. Read More