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A lot of today's conversation seems to be about whether or not straight actors should be offered gay roles. Personally, I don't think there are any easy answers to this, and certainly shouldn't be presented as a binary yes/no discussion.
But in amongst the rightful castigation of journalists who celebrate the 'bravery' and 'courage' of the straight actors taking on those gay roles, I did want to give a shout out to a very specific memory from my youth.
In 1988, Harvey Fierstein's play Torch Song Trilogy was
In 1988, Harvey Fierstein's play Torch Song Trilogy was
adapted into a movie. As the writer/creator/star of the play, Fierstein took the lead role in the movie - in those days a rare example of an out gay man headlining a film. One of his love interests (there are several) was Matthew Broderick, still hot off the back
of Ferris Bueller, Biloxi Blues and a bunch of other roles. When the film opened in the UK, Smash Hits reviewed it, and featured a short interview with Broderick to promote its release. It being 1989, the magazine asked the expected question about what it was like having to play
gay. Broderick's answer was that he enjoyed the chance to be sexy and affectionate with another man, an opportunity that had never been afforded him.
Such a simple answer, but genuinely revelatory in its intent.
And to my 14-year old self, perhaps the first glimpse of a world
Such a simple answer, but genuinely revelatory in its intent.
And to my 14-year old self, perhaps the first glimpse of a world
that didn't automatically shudder or recoil at the idea of same sex attraction.
Over thirty years later, I still remember that tiny little interview snippet and how important it felt to me, not to mention the countless other teens who would have felt similarly accepted.
Over thirty years later, I still remember that tiny little interview snippet and how important it felt to me, not to mention the countless other teens who would have felt similarly accepted.
