Feature Films - Subtle or Secondary Gay Theme

Among various themes including the idea of conformity and people’s obsession with attractiveness, lies a powerful portrayal of sexuality and the repression of gay feelings. The gay theme is masterfully combined into the wider story. 8/10

Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, and Antonio Banderas are excellent in this epic story thick with homoeroticism. Anne Rice says "I have written individuals who can fall in love with men and women. Obviously, my attitudes toward androgyny and erotic love of all kinds influence all of my novels.” 8/10

The gay elements of this story are wound into the work in such a natural way that is incredible for a movie from the seventies. Al Pacino's performance is excellent. 8/10

Largely autobiographical, a look at the volatile relationship of a gay 16-year-old son and his mother. The characters become incapable of living with or without each other. An intense and compassionate portrayal of this complex human interaction. French with subtitles. 7/10

Odd and intense, well acted and impossible to dismiss. The nature of Duncan and Perry's relationship is never entirely clear. Maybe Duncan is a free spirit who causes the uncertainty in others to declare loudly just how certain they are! Recommended. 7/10

In a small role, Kieran Culkin plays Wallace, Scott Pilgrim's gay best friend. The character is refreshingly different: an unapologetically gay guy who is ironic without being campy and sexual without being sex-obsessed. 7/10

A good dark comedy about a dysfunctional family road trip. Steve Carell brings the gay theme to the story as the gay uncle.The film's message is delivered in a pure, honest and innocent way. 7/10

A rich and wonderful art film that should be viewed and enjoyed as such. Many people focus on the possibility of a homosexual tone; the film's director rejecting this notion. From the perspective of a gay man, I agree that the film is incredibly homoerotic. Put away the labels and just enjoy this beautiful work. Russian with subtitles. 7/10

Clarity is not given to the nature of the relationship between Joe Buck and Ratso Rizzo in this film from the 1960's. Certainly Joe finds himself in various homosexual situations, but they appear more out of a need to survive than one of desire. 7/10

A solid British drama in the style of Billy Elliot. This is a memoir of food writer, journalist and broadcaster, Nigel Slater's early years and a nostalgic trip back into 1960's Britain. It's well acted, particularly young Nigel played by newcomer Oscar Kennedy. 7/10

Billy Hayes had a sexual relationship in prison. Unfortunately the screenplay has Billy rebuke the advances but still show an affectionate relationship between the men. A great 1970's movie regardless. 7/10

Set in the early 80's, this is the story of eight English secondary school students and their teachers. The boys have qualified for the Oxbridge entrance exams and the movie's topics include academic competition, the purpose of education, and adolescent sexuality and coming of age. Homosexuality in some of the students and teachers is effectively incorporated into narrative. 6/10

A slowly-paced, visual exploration of love, jealousy and betrayal. Through the bond of twins, see how siblings are similar and yet very different. Antoine and Quentin embark on a road trip to Spain. A major turning point occurs when one brother explores a homosexual relationship along the way. The story is visually conveyed which will not suit everyone. French with subtitles. 6/10

A respectable crime drama with an excellent gay story arc. 6/10

An allegory comparing Britain to the corrupt and crumbling school institution. There are gay themes wound into piece. Most significant is the relationship between Warwick and Webster. The gym scene is a notable homoerotic scene, handled in a non-sensationalist way. The pair are later seen asleep in the same bed and it directly contrasts other homosexuality presented as exploitation of power by older boys over younger ones. 6/10

A young nun absconds from her convent to locate her twin brother, and herself in process, in the French Camargue. Not a minute of this story is believable, although the actors and cinematography are appealing. Sophie Quinton is great and Clément Sibony plays her new-found gay brother. Despite the story's entire lack of believability, there is an off-beat quirky charm that makes this film enjoyable. 6/10

A teen musical whose strength is solid musical numbers. Look elsewhere for a credible well developed script. The gay theme is introduced by Robin De Jesus playing Michael, a gay guy attending the camp who was rejected and beat up at his prom for showing up in drag. 4/10

Not much here with poor acting and a lame story. Classing this as a gay theme movie is a disservice to the genre. The father of the lead character is gay but this is not his story. There are plenty of half clad sexy men, but genuine porn would be more satisfying. French with subtitles. 2/10