In honor of Pride Month 2021, we here at Cinemasters would like to show our admiration for all the LGBT+ directors and storytellers of the film industry because we all know the world of film would not be the same without them.
Rua's Picks:
#1: Pink Flamingos dir. John Waters (1972)
No Pride Month list would be complete without at least one mention of legendary gay director, John Waters and his iconic drag queen collaborator, Divine. Baltimore's "Pope of Trash" has directed so many films over the years that have left lasting marks on the LGBT community. But to this day, none have been proven to be more infamous than 1972's Pink Flamingos which follows the story of Babs Johnson as she proves she is deserving of the "filthiest person alive" title. Pink Flamingos is especially notorious for the final scene which consists Divine consuming real dog feces on camera. It's this kind of clever bad taste that. has allowed John Waters to ascend to the level of respect and admiration he currently occupies within Baltimore's gay cinema crowd and movie fans all around the world.
#2: The Rocky Horror Picture Show dir. Jim Sharman (1975)
While not littered with a typical gay cast, the impact that The Rocky Horror Picture Show has left on the LGBT community is far too large to ignore. From the campy costumes to the eccentric characters and storyline, Rocky Horror is not only the perfect movie for Halloween, but for Pride Month as well. Its inclusion of unconventional gender expression and amazing music will leave you memorized long after you've finished it.
#3: Paris Is Burning dir. Jennie Livingston (1990)
When it comes to the world of drag, Paris Is Burning is an essential watch. Jennie Livingston's film not only exposed a larger audience to ball culture but also told the stories of so many queer people of color. Paris Is Burning launched the careers of superstars like Dorian Corey, Pepper LaBeija and Venus Extravaganza who still stand as LGBT+ icons to this day. It's an important film I believe any ally should see at least once. It'll also help you understand a lot of references on Rupaul's Drag Race.
Ella's Picks:
#1: Brokeback Mountain dir. Ang Lee (2005)
One of the most touching, heartbreaking, and visually stunning films I've ever seen. Brokeback Mountain has undoubtedly cemented itself as a timeless classic. Anchored by wonderful performances by Health Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, the story of Ennis and Jack has broken hearts for over 15 years and is simply a story we just can’t quit.
#2: Booksmart dir. Olivia Wilde (2019)
In recent memory, there hasn’t been a more wonderful, touching, funny movie quite like Booksmart. Booksmart has been celebrated for its portrayal of an open lesbian teenager, Amy. Her various trials and efforts to flirt (horrendously) with her crush, and her arc with Hope is both touching and hilarious. It's a tale about everlasting friendship with some well-needed LGBT representation as well.
#3: Pride dir. Matthew Warchus (2014)
This movie is just so nice I can hardly stand it. Matthew Marchus' Pride tells an important story about self expression and standing up for what is right. It's a shame this movie is so often overlooked because I enjoy it so much and think it should be on everyone's watchlist for Pride Month. I mean... it's in the title.
Nic's Picks:
#1: Portrait of A Lady On Fire dir. Céline Sciamma (2019)
A beautiful tale of a hidden love. Portait of a Lady on Fire is an absolutely phenomenal film that tells one of the most engrossing love stories I have ever seen. The film envelops you into this serene atmosphere of the painter and her love, which is portrayed in an invigorating and fresh way. Not only is it one of the best foreign films I have ever witnessed, it may be one of the best love stories as well.
#2: Moonlight dir. Barry Jenkins (2016)
The story of a man finding out his true colors. Moonlight takes you on a journey through the life of a black gay character as he discovers his true identity, surrounded by a society who hates him. It is a masterpiece in stor telling and really evokes a sense of awe in how Trevante Rhodes delivers this character. A new LGBT classic. Absolutely deserved the Oscar over La La Land.
#3: Love, Simon dir, Greg Bertlani (2018)
This film became a cultural phenomenon for good reason. It is an earnest and gripping portrayal of a teen dealing with his own sexuality in a beautiful way. Love, Simon is a triumph of the highest calibre in delivering a lovable character in one of life’s hardest tasks, self acceptance. Finally, there is a movie that celebrates gay romance instead of just pain, adversity, and anguish. LGBT people deserve sappy romance movies too!
Annabella's Picks:
#1: Water Lillies dir. Céline Sciamma (2007)
For me, this is always the first LGBTG+ movie that comes to mind. Water Lillies is directed by Céline Sciamma who does a great job at showcasing the exploration of sexual between two young women. Every little frame will leave you begging for more. I can’t stress enough on how amazing Sciamma is at capturing the intense, complicated emotions that come with being a gay youth. The girls' exploration and uncertainty of their feelings is so perfect here and I thoroughly believe every teenager should watch this!
#2: Jennifer's Body dir. Karyn Kusama (2009)
Okay so this one is not usually classified as the traditional LGBTQ+ movie but I think it’s pretty apparent that it still fits in the category. In Jennifer's Body, it is more than clear that Needy and Jennifer feel like they are more than just friends. Needy’s lack of emotional affection for her boyfriend, Chip was the first thing I noticed. I wondered why Needy and Jen were so inseparable and why each of them had such a fascination with each other. As soon as Needy and Jen became physically romantic did I understand exactly what was going on.
#3 Mama Mia! dir. Phyllida Lloyd (2008)
Director of Mamma Mia! Phyllida Lloyd, was declared one of the most influential gay and lesbian people in Britain in 2008. In that same year, Mamma Mia! won the Rembrandt Award for Best International Film. A year for Phyllida Lloyd and a win for the LGBTQ+ community. It’s nice to see members of different communities winning awards and being successful, especially when it’s a woman in the film industry!
On behalf of everyone here at Cinemasters.net we want to wish all of our readers a happy Pride Month! Make sure to celebrate your LGBT+ loved ones and creatives!