So many genres of film making have been covered on the site, but one certainly sticks out for its lack of representation - and this, finally, is it. These are films that are not designed to promote or condemn homosexuality, but films which mirror the “coming of age” films, the “romance” films, and just general life-stories that we see so often in mainstream cinema. The difference is that these films are based on same-sex situations. I have tried very hard to select films that I think appeal to ALL people - not just a homosexual audience. I have seen all of these films and I would easily recommend them as masterpieces of cinema or story telling. For those with biases, put them aside and check these films out - I am certain you won’t regret it.
11
Querelle
1982, Rainer Werner Fassbinder

I feel a bit guilty for adding this film - it is here for its art value only. The film itself is a little hard to watch unless you are particularly fond of avant garde French movies - it is not just a gay story, it is an art form - from the art of the author (Jean Genet) to the art of the director (Fassbinder). For many this might appear a B-grade film, but I assure you, it is not; it is true to the story, it is true to the life of the author, and it is a moving film. Perhaps even more moving is the fact that the main actor, Brad Davis, ultimately died of AIDS through drug use. This same actor was the brilliant star of Midnight Express.
Synopsis: French sailor Querelle arrives in Brest and starts frequenting a strange whorehouse. He discovers that his brother Robert is the lover of the lady owner, Lysiane. Here, you can play dice with Nono, Lysiane’s husband : if you win, you are allowed to make love with Lysiane, if you lose, you have to make love with Nono… Querelle loses on purpose…
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(Read the rest of this list…)