Gay french cinema

Traditionally France has been seen as one of the cinema liberal countries in the world, and it boasts an enviable record on gay rights, despite the occasional rantings from Brigitte Bardot. But has this homofriendly attitude translated to its cinema? Where are the lesbians?

Good question, as French cinema is particularly strong on sapphic cinema. French writer Jean Genet is one of gay key figures of gay culture, whose novels including Querelle of Brestplays and essays have been championed by gay and straight readers alike. His only venture into film was never meant to be seen outside of a small clique of intellectuals, yet has since been restored and released on DVD.

The cast consists of non-professionals Genet knew personally. Its scenes of nudity and masturbation lead to numerous bans and cuts over the decades. Ironically, its most celebrated erotic sequences involves two clothed men who never touch, as one blows cigarettes smoke through the cell wall into the mouth of his neighbour.

While the french relationships are straight, the iconic imagery is unquestionably queer. After she claims the life of his wife, he must brave the underworld to ensure her return. But will any of the attractive men on offer fall for their charms? This frantic farce, based on a play by Jean Poiret and remade as The Birdcage and a long-running musical, is the ne french ultra of camp, and a clear inspiration on later drag comedies such as The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert The son wants Albin out of the picture for fear of offending his prospective in-laws, but Albin has other ideas.

But persistence pays off, and political correctness is given another kicking. Yet its gleeful offensiveness is catchy, and the energetic cinemas are top notch, particularly from Blanc, who won the best actor award at Cannes. There he encounters Lucia, and unexpected polysexual attraction enters the equation.

But the summer dress of the title comes along to save the day. Denis Lavant plays Sergeant Major Galoup, who oversees his troop in a remote garrison gay in east Africa.

French LGBT cinema

The arrival of the beautiful and charismatic Gilles threatens both his authority and his command on his sexuality, as an unrequited homoerotic attraction takes hold. Galoup responds with sadism, punishing the younger man for the uncomfortable new feelings he is experiencing. Few female directors choose to set their films in an all-male setting Kathryn Bigelow is a notable exception.

Denis is fascinated by the physicality of her subjects, and transforms military manoeuvres into energetic tributes to the masculine form. The final scene, featuring Lavant dancing alone in a nightclub, is one of the most unforgettable endings in French cinema. Gay men hate and fear women, even more than straight men.

Graphic sex acts, rake handle insertion and menstrual blood quaffing ensue. But it confirms Breillat as one of the most genuinely provocative filmmakers around today. This little-discussed film deserves far more attention.