Two years ago, I had an idea for a story: compose a definitive list of the Top 10 "must-see" movies that gay people must see, as an introductory crash course in their history and culture. Lots of these lists exist on various blogs--anyone who takes the time to write anything and publish it on the internet for the world to enjoy is inherently someone who gives a lot of value to his/her own opinions on things. But rather than me put together what I thought was right, I emailed all the LGBT film festivals and asked their programmers to vote. And I emailed Sundance, just for the hell of it. And surprise surprise, almost everyone responded--even the Sundance fellow. How cool is that?
Hundreds of emails and much begging later, it is now 2012 and it is finally finished--stretched from Top 10 to Top 12, but they're not in any particular order. Click here: LGBT film
This is a great starter for people who haven't seen many independent films, or have heard of "Brokeback Mountain" and that's the extent of their knowledge. My goal is to send this to student groups at colleges, so they can plan movie nights. Times change, and there are images of gay people everywhere now, but for some people it's still not enough to ease the stress of living a closeted life. Watching a film, particularly one with a positive message, can be life-changing.
...and they're also good movies regardless of the social significance. My personal favorites are "Priscilla" and "Bound."
I've only seen 4! Ack. There are several on the list that I have on my "to watch" list as well. Now there are more!
Great article!
Posted by: Beth | July 25, 2012 at 10:59 AM
I have seen most of the movies on the list. Here is my Top 10 List:
Boys In The Band
Making Love
Stonewall
The Band Played On
Longtime Companion
Jeffrey
Trick
Love, Valor, and Compassion
An Early Frost
A Normal Heart
I know two of these were TV movies but they were very pivotal in gay media and the AIDS movement. A Normal Heart is due out this year and has been a play for many years.
It's good to see you writing again outside of your blog here.
Posted by: Glenn Drake | July 25, 2012 at 01:14 PM
My Beautiful Lauderette and Maurice changed my life. And no Almodovar! Maybe make it a top 15? I wouldn't want to cut out any of the movies on the list. Love Hedwig, Paris Is Burning and Beautiful Thing. I could tell you about my birthday dinner with friends at a swanky restaurant turned into a night of debauchery when some of the cast of High Art at the next table joined in the celebration, but Ally Sheedy would cut me.
Posted by: ger | July 25, 2012 at 08:45 PM
WEEKEND. Immediately made it to my #1 spot, hands down. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUU_WzRBHX4
Posted by: Leo | July 26, 2012 at 09:18 PM
Angels in America. Many themes, but an important miniseries.
Posted by: Charlie | July 27, 2012 at 06:00 AM
oh yes, bad education, a pedro almodvar film! I also liked y tu mama tambien and a peruvian movie don't tell anyone.
Posted by: Mike b. | July 27, 2012 at 10:04 AM
"Big Eden" isn't on the list? as if!
Posted by: Blobby Blog | July 28, 2012 at 02:31 PM
and a single man, suprised that was MIA.
Posted by: Mike b. | July 30, 2012 at 09:33 AM