In looking at the list of potential Oscar nominees this year, I am stricken by two obvious and very sad facts. The first is, aside from Javier Bardem, Denzel Washington and Halle Berry there are not many non-white actors vying for spots (Javier seems like the only sure bet right now).
The second is typical, but still sad. There are no real gay characters this year. Sure Edith Piaf was hinted as having a lesbian relationship, as was Queen Elizabeth but still this is a stretch. Past years have proven very gay friendly.
2005 we had Truman Capote, Ennis Del Mar, Bree Osbourne and Jack Twist. 2006 saw us drop off, but we still had Barbara Covett. This year, there is nothing. Not even any good gay movies. Nada.
This brings me to this wonderful and insightful article by Adam B. Vary over at Entertainment Weekly, where he looks at why, post “Brokeback” there are no major gay themed films being made.
I also thought I would draw attention to another E.W. article about J.K. Rowlings outing of Dumbledore. Many people have asked why now? The books are finished and it doesn’t matter. They argue it would have had more impact had it been announced he was gay from the beginning.
This article disagrees, and the best point it makes it that this is a book read by children. These children may not have been allowed to read the books had there been a major gay character, but can now judge the situation and see him for the hero he was. When you think of the possible positive influence this may have on the amount of children who read it, well the numbers are staggering. These are the kids who will make the important decisions tomorrow, and the future voters.
Well done J.K. and thank you E.W.
3 comments:
I think it's all very complicated and it brings us to have battles with ourselves. I mean, do I need a gay character everywhere I go? Usually film and TV are escapism and I would hate to run into the same problems I have in real life and while technically the same could be said for heterosexuals, if there was some legislation made that forced networks and studios to have a certain amount of gay characters, I'm sure they would be pissed and have them played out as awful stereotypes.
This is why I welcome the news about Dumbledore. Lets say he was gay from the begining, it would have distracted from the story. For Rowling to come out, after the series has ended, when he is a loved character by so many adults and children, and say, "he was great, and he was gay" to me that is a good things.
There could be many gay characters in films this year, it is just that they are not introduced as such. Why is being stright always the safe assumption
I agree wholeheartedly Michael. There is way more impact in reveal it after the fact then before.
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