Queer Images A History of Gay and Lesbian Film in America

by Benshoff, Harry M.; Griffin, Sean

• ISBN13: 9780742519718
• ISBN10: 0742519716
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2005-10-13
• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Summary

Queer Images chronicles representations of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer sexualities over one hundred years of American film. The most up-to-date and comprehensive book of its kind, it explores the ever-changing images of queer characters onscreen as well as the work of queer filmmakers and the cultural histories of queer audiences--from the works of discreetly homosexual filmmakers during Hollywood's Golden Age and classical Hollywood's attempt to purge sex perversion from films, to queer exploitation and physique films, cinematic responses to AIDS, and how contemporary Hollywood deals with queer issues. An essential volume for film buffs and anyone interested in sexuality and culture. Visit our website for sample chapter!

Author Biography

Sean Griffin is associate professor of film and media studies at Southern Methodist University.

Table of Contents

Introduction : what is queer film history?	p. 1
From pansies to predators : queer characters in early American cinema	p. 19
Discreet charms : queer filmmakers in classical Hollywood	p. 41
"Those wonderful people out there in the dark" : queer audiences and classical Hollywood cinema	p. 63
Fear and loathing in postwar Hollywood	p. 85
Exploitation or art? : queer films beyond Hollywood	p. 107
Hollywood and the sexual revolution	p. 129
Producing pride : queers make movies	p. 153
Out of the closet and into the art house	p. 177
A matter of life and death : AIDS, activism, film, and video	p. 201
Hollywood is burning : new queer cinema	p. 219
Queer eye for the straight Hollywood executive	p. 247
Queer independent film at the turn of the millennium	p. 267
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