One of the most outstanding premieres this week is ‘Strange way of life’, the latest short film by Pedro Almodóvar in which he seeks to explore other languages, both literal and cinematographic. It also comes with a certain stir, selling itself as a queer western that wants to revere the classics of the genre but subvert its conventions.
It is true that the existence of this LGTBI love story in a Wild West context is less revolutionary than it seems. Whether expressed literally or insinuated in a very discreet way to escape repressions of the time, homosexual romance has found a way to enter the western genre, and we have to prove it three great streaming movies with this kind of relationships.
‘Red River’ (‘Red River’, 1948)
Address: Howard Hawks. Distribution: John Wayne, Montgomery Clift, Walter Brennan, Joanne Dru, Coleen Gray.
Don’t tell John Wayne we’ve put a movie of his on such a list, but it’s hard not to appreciate the strong gay subtext that shines between the relationship between the characters of Montgomery Clift and John Ireland, with comparisons of pistol sizes that do not lead to much misunderstanding. The portrait of an unconventional masculinity hides clear signals about sexuality at a time when the Hays code prevented this kind of representation.
Over the years, academic studies have been carried out on the homosexual subtext of ‘Red River’, and not a few researchers have carried out analyzes in this regard. In addition to that, we are looking at a Howard Hawks western, which is something that is enjoyed as much as a good beer in the aperitif or an exquisite coffee after eating. It is valid both for when you are looking for sophisticated classic cinema and for the pure entertainment.
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‘Brokeback Mountain (On forbidden ground)’ (‘Brokeback Mountain’, 2005)
Address: Ang Lee. Distribution: Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway, Michelle Williams, Randy Quaid.
Here there is no room for interpretations or ambiguities. Since its premiere ‘Brokeback Mountain’ has established itself as one of the most prominent gay romances in commercial adult cinema. There was no shortage of detractors and jokes, but above all there was an appreciation that continues to endure, showing the exquisite work of Ang Lee and her actors to tell this story.
The Taiwanese has always been a great narrator of hidden emotions, of the trips followed to the personal acceptance of what one feels, and this is one of the best films in that art. Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger have superb chemistry in their romance, told with a delicious intimacy that is perfectly accessible. deservedly canonizedit is not surprising that it is one of the most named in the premiere of ‘Strange way of life’.
Watch on Netflix, on Skyshowtime and on Movistar+ | Criticism in Espinof
‘The power of the dog’ (‘The Power of the Dog’, 2021)
Address: Jane Campion. Distribution: Benedict Cumberbatch, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons, Thomasin McKenzie.
Here we already give an even more perverse twist to the queer romantic relationship. Jane Campion paints a riveting portrait of toxic masculinity and complex emotions, told through a tense, leather-scented, slow-burn thriller. Hard choices are made in a very subtle and sharp camera piece, which has created unwitting icons like Bronco Henry’s.
Benedict Cumberbatch does one of the best jobs of his career, taking his facet as an irritable and irritating gentleman to the extreme, which he brings to almost all his roles but loading it with nuances. Kodi Smit-McPhee is not far behind in a more twisted and sneaky role, with many edges to explore. The best film by the New Zealand filmmaker and one of the best Netflix productions.
Watch on Netflix | Criticism in Espinof
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