Rob Epstein

An extensive study of how homosexuality was portrayed as well as inferred in cinema in the 20th century. Russo makes a rather good case that what was shown on-screen and what types of characters were heroes and which were villains was intended to and effectively did shape the American consciousness and people's conceptions of homosexuality and what was an acceptable expression of masculinity. Russo passed away in 1990. I wish he'd have lived to see Ellen, Will & Grace, and, eventually, RuPaul's Drag Race.… (more)

Author Armistead Maupin (Tales of the City) wrote Lily Tomlin's narration for this superb documentary, based on a book by the late Vito Russo, about Hollywood's treatment of homosexual characters in the 20th century. Never pointing a finger at anyone in the film community, The Celluloid Closet presents clips from more than 100 mainstream features (including The Children's Hour, Advise and Consent, The Boys in the Band, and The Hunger) that speak loudly in their respective images of gays and lesbians. The film makes a persuasive case for patterns of sexual mythology in Hollywood, such as presenting homosexuals repeatedly as tragic, helpless figures redeemed only through death or as back-street monsters cavorting in the shadows. Things change, of course, and clips from more recent films by gay and lesbian filmmakers suggest a more vital, diverse, autobiographical approach. There are lots of great interviews with screenwriters (Gore Vidal), filmmakers (John Schlesinger), actors (Tom Hanks, Whoopi Goldberg), and others to enunciate the major themes. --Tom Keogh… (more)