The Celluloid Closet

Watching the Celluloid Closet was very interesting to me, from the examples of films, to the standards in old movies about homosexuals. I have seen Ben Hur, Maltese Falcon, and Rebel WIthout a Cause and not once did I notice the "so-called" gay characters. This might be because the film makers had to desguise the characters to only make them seem gay not make them actually gay in the film, I found it unbelievable that the film commission actually screened film to make sure there was no homosexuality in it. I had no idea that this was done and it was sad to watch these actors and actresses explain how they used to watch films looking for a hint of homosexuality to help comfort them and make them feel "normal". Thinking about this subject made me realize how little films actually show homosexual relationships, even in this day and age the majority of people don't accept gays, and this shows through in the movies. I remember when Brokeback Mountain came out people where very uncomfortable with this film, including myself, and I have no idea why? I saw the film and thought it was really good, and it was a great story, maybe this film was a turning point for gays in films actually being huge Hollywood hits, because that movie was very big. Hollywood is a place where ideas thrive on what the majority wants, and the majority of people find it awkward having homosexuals in films, even I did until I saw Brokeback Mountain. But why? Why are people so turned away by homosexuals in films? I think because its rare, and its not done enough to help people realize its just another way of life and not some horrible sin. Many people need to open there eyes and accept these people for who they are and not what there sexuality is.