Notes On A Scandal - homophobic film in theatres

[Ayesha]

My friend saw the film Notes On A Scandal thanks to his mom's Academy screener copy, and said that the film "sets back the cause of gay rights by 30 years." He said that it shows every bad stereotype of lesbians, but in particular, the predatory older woman. He said he found the film very pointless and doesn't understand why Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett agreed to be in it.

Has anyone else seen this film? Should we, the LGBT community, respond in any way? Personally I am tired of seeing every lesbian in the movies portrayed as evil - especially the substantial, awards-contender roles. It seems like gay men are making progress in the media, and have at least had Brokeback Mountain. It should be our turn now!

[libnnc]

1. Now that you mention it, I saw an ad for this movie in The Advocate today

I'd never heard of it and I was curious as to what it's about. If it's in bad taste I doubt that The Advocate would run an ad for it.

I don't know. :shrug:

[MsUnderstood]

2. a bit judgemental and premature I think

Without having seen the movie how can you say it sets rights back 30 years?

If that were the case then what about boys don't cry (all lesbians want to be boys) or Monster (all lesbians are serial killers).

If we as the LGBT community want to respond then we'll have to see the movie first then form a reaction.

Just protesting about an unseen movie is WORSE than Christians protesting about Brokeback mountain last year (cause we in the community know discrimination where as Christians only claim to experience it so we should know better).

And personally I don't think portraying a woman as a lesbian along with her other characteristics sets us back. Exposure in film is a good thing. Heck you wanna find something to complain about watch the last 2 seasons of the L word--tons of stereotypes there!

[Ayesha]

3. My friend saw it and said that

I haven't seen the film, I was posting because of what HE said and wanting to get others' takes on it.

[adamblast]

4. I have tremendous respect for both actresses...

...and tend to believe they wouldn't be involved with something homophobic.

Even if (as I've heard) Judi Dench plays a repressed busybody who's lusting after Blanchett and screwing up people's lives, it doesn't necessarily follow that the film or the portrayal is homophobic. Blanchett's character is equally flawed, as far as I can tell...

Sometimes characters are *supposed* to make you feel uncomfortable, and that goes for both gay and straight characters. I understand wanting to present the best possible face to the outside world, but we've got to get over the idea that all gay TV and movie portrayals need to be "positive and affirming." I prefer 3-dimentional and real, myself.

[mondo joe]

5. Haven't seen it, but it looks brilliant and I have great faith in the leads.

Just sayin'.

[hyde]

6. I told a friend today that we needed to see this...

when it comes out. I've seen ads for it a couple of times. The last time I saw the ad was when we went to see Coffee Date, so I suppose if they are promoting the movie before a gay/lesbian indie film, they must be trying to reach out to gays and lesbians. I don't think they'd do that if they thought their film was homophobic. I love Judi Dench, so I'm willing to give her the benefit of the doubt.

[sundog]

7. i'm not of the school of thought that believes a film's inclusion of a glbt

antagonist indicates homophobic intentions on the part of the filmmaker

similar accusations were aimed at paul verhoeven during the release of "basic instinct" for having a bisexual femme fatale - and i thought that was absolute bullshit

a crappy film like "eating out" does a lot more harm to the community than something like "notes on a scandal" - i haven't seen it yet but considering the caliber of the leads (esp judi dench), i can only assume there is no malice intended

[soleft]

8. Haven't not seen the film, if the character is repressed

it sounds like it's about the harm caused by repression more than anything else.