Question for the gay men on the board- Page 4

Posted: 1/13/04 at 9:26pm

WAITING FOR GUFFMAN was mentioned earlier and I, too, would agree on that one.

The "Teacher" guy who had been on this board was using a icon for a long time that whenever I saw it I was convinced it was Corky St. Clair, or his brother.

Bulldog

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 1/14/04 at 12:09pm

Waiting For Guffman is the funniest film I've ever seen. It's perfect for anyone who's ever worked in theatre (especially community theatre). But I wouldn't call it a "gay film". Corky is definitely a queen, but still closeted (remember Bonnie?) and there really is no homosexual story line at all. Parker Posey is definitely at her best in that film.

I was definitely disappointed in the film version of The Ritz. I never saw it on stage, but I read the script several times. I love McNally's plays.

[tpdc]

Posted: 1/14/04 at 4:15pm

I think GUFFMAN is a pretty "gay" film. Corky has the hots for the mechanic and what about the guy on the council who is in love with Corky?

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 1/14/04 at 4:44pm

It was gay enough to be condemned by GLAAD for reinforcing gay stereotypes. I hate GLAAD.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 1/14/04 at 4:47pm

Has GLAAD every watched Queer as Folk? It reinforces all the stereotypes much worse than Guffman. The show started out not so bad, but into the second season, it started going downhill. The third season was just awful.

[tpdc]

Posted: 1/14/04 at 4:53pm

Mister Matt, you think last season of QAF was worse than the first two? I thought they finally warmed up most of the characters and the plots were a little more involving (if more soap opera-ish). Of course, much of it is so terribly acted, who could tell if anything is better or worse?

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 1/14/04 at 4:54pm

I agree.. SSO was so addicted to QAF during season 1.. now I could really vare less. The biggest indicator of that show for me is Randy Harrison as Justin.. he stated out Season1 looking like an adorable, innocent 17 year old.. each season, the producers and creative staff have tried to make him more "modelish" with the trendy haircuts and such... BLEH

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 1/14/04 at 5:05pm

The character of Ted has changed so drastically, he's just silly and pathetic now. The idea of monogomous homosexual relationships have been completely tossed out. Now that Justin is no longer the new young thing, they added the HIV+ teen prostitute. Emmett is the only character left that I liked any more. I don't know if I can stomach another season. Doesn't anyone else think it's weird that Michael always seems to catch the buff studs? The new guy's not bad, I just wish he didn't shave off all his body hair. David reminded me a lot of my ex. It was rather spooky.

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 1/14/04 at 5:17pm

I know.. it is quite sad really.
APPARENTLY, Showtime says it will be reigned in this season with more focus on relationships amd less on random sex.
Their target audience, they have said, are women.. so....

[Phantom2]

Posted: 1/14/04 at 5:20pm

QAF would be great on Broadway!

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 1/14/04 at 5:38pm

I'd much rather see Tales of the City. I loved all the books and the miniseries were pretty good (the first cast was the BEST). Any news on the musical?

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 1/14/04 at 6:01pm

I agree Matt!
It has been a while since I have seen/read it though.. I need to get the books and Vids

[orion59]

Posted: 1/14/04 at 6:51pm

Guffman absolutely reinforced gay stereotypes. It also reinforced stereotypes of middle class suburbanites, untalented people who want to be actors, mechanics, insurance sales men and a whole host of other types. That's what makes Christopher Guest's movies so enjoyable to watch. He captures the part of the stereotype that we know really exists. He also doesn't discriminate. Everyone is fair game when he developes these characters that are complete idiots but also very lovable and endearing.

Best Of Show reinforced gay sterotypes, New York socialite stereotypes, neurotic yuppie couples and down home good old boys.

GLADD needs to take the stick out of their collective butts.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 1/14/04 at 9:49pm

I have no problem with "reinforced stereotypes". The characters in QAF and Will & Grace & QEFTSG & WFG. etc etc etc exist in real life. Why do we try to shove them back in the closet? They aren't dirty laundry, they are part of our "community".

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 1/15/04 at 11:05am

I don't mind the stereotypes if they are satirical (Guffman, South Park) or balanced with some positive reinforcements (Will and Grace). But Queer as Folk was marketed as a "groudbreaking" show for the Gay and Lesbian community, but I feel like it's really aimed at the circuit-boy audience. I think it started with good intentions, but quickly went the soap opera route into mostly playing the negative side of homosexuality.


When they all celebrated because they could have illegal public sex in the dance club, I thought the series was doing more harm than good.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 1/15/04 at 12:04pm

I just don't think art should have to be politically correct. I haven't seen much of the American QAF (although its realness made it hard to watch). The British QAF is definitely better. And, whether we want Republicans seeing slutty gay men on tv or not--they exist. So, why should we edit that?

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 1/15/04 at 2:25pm

I'm not saying it has to be "politically correct" (I detest that term). I just think it tried to accomplish something at the beginning and now has done an about-face. It's like reprimanding society for calling AIDS a "gay disease", yet AIDS has to be a part of most everything written or performed by gays post-1982. I think it's wonderful to educate about HIV and AIDS, but it doesn't need to be in nearly everything gay-related.

I'm probably in the minority with this kind of thinking (and will provoke some distressing responses), but then I also am not a fan of Liza or Judy, I hate poppers, I don't work out 4x a week, or shave/manicure my netheregions, party-n-play, participate in "open relationships" or most of the gay trends I see or that my friends partake in. I just don't think porn stars are the best role models.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 1/15/04 at 2:28pm

But noone said that QAF were supposed to be role models. It is in essence a gay soap opera--are we going to hold the heterosexual image to Y&tR and Days of Our Lives?

And, for the record--I'm no angel, but I'm none of those things you listed either.

Posted: 1/15/04 at 9:46pm

If you haven't seen it, GIMME GIMME GIMME on BBC American is the most PC incorrect comedy on television.

Hysterically funny, cleverly written, wonderfully acted, taking no prisoners...GIMME GIMME GIMME is for the cognosenti.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 1/15/04 at 9:57pm

Not TOO snobby.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 1/15/04 at 10:00pm

I only recently acquired BBCA. I love Coupling and The Office and Rebus because I love (and miss) Edinburgh. I've read several of the Ian Rankin novels they're based on. I haven't seen Gimme yet.

Posted: 1/15/04 at 11:13pm

LOL...snobby? Perhaps.

If others are stuck in the same groove, what can one say except there are other experiences if one dares.

Bulldog

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 1/16/04 at 12:29am

Updated On: 1/16/04 at 12:29 AM

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 1/16/04 at 9:27am

"(But) I was in Vegas, and it took over me." <---- "I was bombed"