Filmmakers have been using queer suffering to drive their storylines since the beginning of cinema, but it has never been more prevalent than now. Queer suffering is an important narrative device that can be used to explore themes like love, loss, and identity, but it also raises ethical concerns about how it is portrayed and who benefits from its depiction. This essay will examine these issues in depth.
One common concern is the portrayal of queer suffering as sensationalized or exploitative. When filmmakers use this trope for shock value without considering its consequences, they risk dehumanizing LGBTQ+ characters and perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
Films like "Brokeback Mountain" and "Milk" focus heavily on the tragedy of being gay during times when homophobia was high and legal protections were low, which creates a sense of victimization that may be uncomfortable for some viewers. On the other hand, if filmmakers are careful to avoid glorifying or fetishizing pain, they can create empathetic and nuanced portrayals of queer life.
Another issue is the representation of queer people as secondary characters who suffer in the background while straight protagonists take center stage. This reinforces the idea that queerness is marginal and insignificant, rather than central to the human experience.
Recent films like "Call Me By Your Name" and "Moonlight" challenge this by making the queer protagonist the main character and allowing him/her/them to have their own agency and desires outside of their relationship with a cisgender man.
There are questions about who should tell queer stories and whether they should be told at all. Some argue that only queer people can accurately represent themselves and their experiences, while others believe anyone can tell any story if they do so respectfully and authentically. The answer lies somewhere between these extremes - filmmakers should strive to include diverse perspectives and give voice to underrepresented communities, but also recognize the importance of letting LGBTQ+ creatives lead the way.
What ethical dilemmas arise when filmmakers use queer suffering as a narrative device?
The use of queer suffering as a narrative device by filmmakers has been criticized for its potential to reinforce stereotypes and create a one-dimensional representation of LGBTQ+ individuals. This can lead to ethical dilemmas around perpetuating harmful attitudes towards marginalized communities, particularly if such depictions are not balanced with more positive representations or accurate portrayals of real-life experiences.