The Celluloid Closet

Movie info

Synopsis

Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman's documentary chronicles the way movies have portrayed homosexuals for the past 100 years and how these images, both positive and negative, have helped shape America's attitudes toward gays. Among the topics examined via interviews and film clips are the various gay stereotypes that recur onscreen, gay subtexts in such macho films as SPARTACUS and BEN-HUR, and how negative images of homosexuality created emotional conflict within the gay moviegoer. But the film also shows how the times have greatly changed, bringing more--and more realistic--gay characters to the silver screen. Interviewees include Susan Sarandon, Tony Curtis, Shirley MacLaine and Tom Hanks, among others. The film is based on the 1981 book by Vito Russo.

Movie info:

Release:

1996

Running Time:

102 min

Certificate:

Exempt from classification

Availability:

• Watch online: Unavailable
• Download: Unavailable

Genre:

• Documentary
• , 
• Gay & Lesbian

Cast:

• Tony Curtis
• Susan Sarandon
• Tom Hanks
• Armistead Maupin
• Susie Bright
• Arthur Laurents
• Lily Tomlin

Director:

• Jeffrey Friedman
• Rob Epstein

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