This document discusses the representation of various groups in Hollywood films, focusing specifically on the politics of sexual preference. It outlines common stereotypes and themes in films depicting gay men and lesbians, lists notable films in each category, and names famous LGBT actors and openly LGBT directors. It also identifies issues around the misrepresentation, underrepresentation, and reliance on cliches when depicting these groups in films.

1. March 22, 2011

2. The Politics of Difference in Films
 Race
 Gender
 Sexual Preference
The issue here is whether Hollywood-made or
other types of films can directly confront these
types of issues -- and, if so, under what conditions.

3. The Politics of Sexual Preference in
Films
 How are gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transsexuals
(GLBTs) represented in films?
 What sorts of stories about GLBTs get made into
films?
 Do GLBTs have positions of power in the making of
Hollywood films (or other types of films)?

4. Lesbian/Gay Stereotypes
 The Sissy (male with effeminate mannerisms)
 Girls in Prison (thinly veiled allusions)

5. Serious Films That Deal with
Male Homosexuality
 The Boys in the Band
(1970)
 Kiss of the Spider
Woman (1985)
 Maurice (1987)
 Philadelphia (1993)
 The Bird Cage (1996)
 Midnight in the Garden
of Good and Evil (1997)
 Wilde (1997)

6. Common Themes in Serious Films
about Gays
 Risk of AIDS
 monogamous relationships vs. promiscuity
 violations of civil rights of gays
 change in the legal environment
 staying in the closet vs. defiance of laws outlawing
homosexuality
 coming out of the closet in a more permissive
environment

7. Films about Lesbians
 The Children’s Hour (1961)
 Personal Best (1982)
 Lianna (1983)
 Basic Instinct (1992)
 Claire of the Moon (1992)
 Chasing Amy (1997) <>

8. Famous Gay Actors
 Peter Lorre
 Laurence Olivier
 Tony Curtis
 Rock Hudson
 Raymond Burr
 Anthony Perkins
 Ian McKellen

9. Famous Lesbian Actresses
 Greta Garbo and Marlene Dietrich
 Tallulah Bankhead
 Louise Brooks
 Lily Tomlin
 Anne Heche
 Drew Barrymore
 Angelina Jolie

10. Openly Gay Directors
 John Waters
 Pink Flamingos
 Female Trouble
 Polyester
 Hairspray
 Serial Mom
 Andy Warhol Edith Marshall
Divine
 Heat

11. Openly Lesbian Directors
 Dorothy Arzner (Working Girls, The Bride Wore Red)
 Sally Potter (Tango Lessons, Orlando)
 Rose Troche (Go Fish)
 Patricia Rozema (Personal Best, Lianna, Desert
Hearths)
 Monika Treut (Seduction: The Cruel Woman, My
Father is Coming)

12. Issues in the Politics of Difference in
Hollywood Films
 Misrepresentation
 Under-representation
 Too many cliches about the group in stories chosen
for films
 Need for a greater variety of voices in the media
generally vs. the essentially commercial motivations
of the industry