June is Pride month, a thirty-day long celebration of all
things queer. In honor of this year’s
festivities here are thirty excellent (and controversial) examples of queer
cinema in no particular order.
Beach Rats
Gorgeous cinematography and a heart-breaking lead
performance combine to deliver one of 2017’s most overlooked films that focuses
on a young man coming to terms with who he is….at a tragic cost.
Weekend
One of the most charming and endearing love stories ever
filmed. It’s heartfelt, intimate, and
real.
But
I’m a Cheerleader
Arguably one of the greatest lesbian films ever made, Cheerleader
is both a scathing satire and a remarkably prescient refutation of cultural norms
that continue to divide in the present.
Paris
is Burning
One of the most important films on this list, Paris
is a potent documentary about the Ball culture of New York city. More importantly, it is a snapshot of a grim
reality that still survives today.
Bound
The Wachowski sisters’ erotic neo-noir is sleek, sexy,
and unforgettable.
The
Birdcage
While the original, La Cage Aux Folles is an
admirable choice, nothing beats Robin Williams and Nathan Lane’s
chemistry. Coupled with a pitch perfect
ending, this film a constant delight.
Carol
Douglas Sirk by way of Todd Haynes, Carol is a
masterwork, both in technical presentation and flawless acting by its two leads,
Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara.
My
Beautiful Laundrette
Stephen Frears’ landmark film focuses not only on a
relationship, but on the political and familial landmines of Margaret Thatcher’s
London.
Boys
on the Side
A wonderful comedy that also explores the impact of HIV
through the lens of a female centric road trip.
Moonlight
One of the greatest films ever made, Barry Jenkins’ opus
explores a young man’s sexual awakening and character defining moments through
three different periods of his life.
The
Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
A visual stunner that is complimented by lavish costume
design and a heartwarming story about forgiveness and acceptance. This is a landmark achievement in the
genre.
Tank
Girl
Lori Petty’s bravura performance is one of the many
delights of this cult classic. In an age
where we’re still waiting for a queer MCU character, remembering this groundbreaking
superheroine extravaganza is a comfort.
The
Handmaiden
An exquisitely presented sexual thriller, this is one of
the more controversial choices on this list.
While some of the sexual content has divided audiences, it is almost
universally agreed that Park Chan-Wook’s masterful retelling of Fingersmith
is an unforgettable experience.
A
Single Man
Tom Ford’s breathtaking debut is a somber journey into
the heart of grieving man. Featuring outstanding
performances by Colin Firth and Julianne Moore, this is one of the most
gorgeous films ever made.
Desert
Hearts
There are so many films that depict queer relationships
as abnormally morose or unconventional.
Donna Deitch’s sun-soaked retelling of a 1964 novel is organic, honest,
and absolutely beautiful.
The Times of Harvey Milk
One of the most important American documentaries ever
made. Doubly so right now.
D.E.B.S.
Easily the most carefree film on this list, this is a
charming love story wrapped in a spy parody. A joy from start to finish.
Mysterious
Skin
Greg Arraki’s dark journey into the aftermath of profound
sexual abuse is an endurance test, but absolutely worth it.
Closet
Monster
Winner of TIFF’s Best Canadian Feature, Monster is
a coming of age story set within the imagination of a gifted young man. Sex, violence, confusion, and redemption are
all at play under director Stephen Dunn’s delicate hand.
Tangerine
Shot entirely on an iphone, Sean Baker’s guerilla-style
expose of transgendered sex workers in Hollywood is filled with laugh out loud sequences
and soul crushing reminders of the horrors that transgendered people face every
day.
The
Bitter Tears of Petra Von Kant
Rainer Werner Fassbinder’s audacious deconstruction of
the traditional love story blends chamber drama presentation with a merciless recounting
of love and loss.
Cruising
One of my queer friends said that including this film on
the list is a historian’s choice. For
better or worse, Friedkin’s controversial Stallone vehicle brought queer
culture into mainstream conversation.
Heavenly
Creatures
Before Middle Earth, Peter Jackson stepped beyond his
splatter-horror comfort zone with this unforgettable true crime story. Jackson and Fran Walsh’s screenplay was
nominated for an academy award. One of
the more unsettling aspects of the narrative is how homosexuality was(is) used
a medical and psychological scapegoat.
Happy
Together
A Wong Kar-wai’s emotional sojourn, Together explores
the cycle of abuse that is prevalent within unhealthy relationships and how the
healing process is equally as difficult.
Call
Me by Your Name
Maestro Luca Guadagnino’s critical darling features his
renowned visuals and endearing performances.
Armie Hammer and Timothy Chalamet’s romance is one for the ages.
Pariah
Dee Rees (Mudbound) Pariah is a towering achievement
in queer cinema, focusing on a young African American woman coming to terms
with her sexuality and identity.
Midnight
Cowboy
The first LGBT Best Picture winner as well as the only X
Rated winner, John Schlesinger’s masterful telling of the relationship between
two men is a cornerstone of modern American cinema.
Sunday,
Bloody Sunday
The second Schlesinger film on this list, Sunday is
diametrically opposed to Cowboy in how its presents its queer
characters. An excellent double billing
with Cowboy.
Chasing
Amy
Kevin Smith’s ‘90s romantic classic uses his trademark
humorous techniques to breakdown the various complexities of this thing called
love.
Tropical
Malady
Apichatpong
Weerasethakul is one of the most prolific film makers in the world. His greatest offering, Tropical Malady weaves
shamanism, romance, and poetry together in an unconventional format. The result is a beguiling pinnacle of queer
cinema.
--Kyle Jonathan