Queer cinema is an important genre that depicts the experiences and desires of people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, nonbinary, intersex, asexual, or otherwise outside of heteronormative gender identities and sexual orientations. Queer cinema has become increasingly popular in recent years, but there are still many misconceptions about it. One common misunderstanding is that queer cinema is all about explicit sex scenes.
Queer cinema often uses cinematic techniques to convey more than just physical desire. Cinematic techniques can be used to showcase the multiplicity and fluidity of queer experience and desire in ways that go beyond traditional narratives. In this article, I will explain how filmmakers have used various cinematic techniques to explore different aspects of queer identity.
Cinematography:
One way that filmmakers convey the multiplicity and fluidity of queer experience and desire is through cinematography. This involves the use of lighting, camera angles, framing, and other visual elements to create a specific mood or atmosphere.
In the film "Moonlight," director Barry Jenkins uses naturalistic lighting and camera angles to capture the intimacy between two characters. The camera slowly pans around the room, capturing every detail of their surroundings, which creates a sense of closeness and connection between them. By using naturalistic lighting and camerawork, Jenkins creates a realistic portrayal of intimacy that goes beyond what could be shown with traditional sex scenes.
Soundtrack:
Another technique that can be used to convey the multiplicity and fluidity of queer experience and desire is the soundtrack. Music can be used to create an emotional response from viewers and to highlight important moments in the story. In the film "Call Me," composer Sufjan Stevens's music helps to establish the romantic relationship between Elio (Timothée Chalamet) and Oliver (Armie Hammer). The gentle strumming of his guitar creates a dreamlike quality that reflects the feelings of love and desire between the two men. Throughout the movie, Stevens's music also adds an element of nostalgia that helps to convey the passage of time and the shifting nature of their relationship.
Editing:
Filmmakers also use editing techniques to showcase the multiplicity and fluidity of queer experiences and desires. Editing involves cutting together different shots and scenes to create a particular rhythm and flow to the story. In the film "Pariah," director Dee Rees cuts between various aspects of Alike's (Adepero Oduye) life - including her work, family, and relationships - to create a collage-like effect that shows the complexity of her identity. This approach makes it clear that Alike is not just one thing; she is multifaceted and dynamic, like many people who identify as LGBTQ+. By using this editing technique, Rees challenges traditional notions of narrative structure and presents a more nuanced understanding of queerness.
Performance:
Performance is another way that cinematic techniques can be used to explore queer experience and desire. Actors are able to bring complex characters to life through their physical movements, facial expressions, and vocal inflections.
In the film "Portrait of a Lady on Fire," Noémie Merlant and Adèle Haenel portray a romantic couple who fall deeply in love despite societal pressures to remain apart. Their performances are naturalistic and expressive, which creates a sense of intimacy and connection between them even when they are not physically touching each other. Throughout the movie, Merlant and Haenel convey the passionate and intense nature of their relationship without relying solely on explicit sex scenes.
There are many ways that filmmakers use cinematography, soundtrack, editing, and performance to convey the multiplicity and fluidity of queer experiences and desires. These techniques help to challenge traditional norms and present a more nuanced understanding of sexuality and gender. By exploring these topics in cinema, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity of human experience and create space for more inclusive representations of identity.
What cinematic techniques best convey the multiplicity and fluidity of queer experience and desire?
Queerness is not only about sexual orientation but also about identity that differs from heteronormative norms. It refers to a wide range of gender identities and sexual preferences beyond binary genders. While many movies represent queer experiences as one-dimensional and marginalized, some films have tried to break stereotypes by representing complex and diverse characters with multiple facets of their identities.