Film directors often employ various techniques to represent queer struggles and resilience through visual symbolism. This technique involves using images, objects, colors, sounds, and movements to create meaning beyond what is literally depicted in the scene.
In the movie Brokeback Mountain, director Ang Lee uses red to symbolize the passionate love between Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist. The color appears frequently throughout the film, starting from their first meeting when they see each other across the pasture and continue until the end, when Ennis holds his dead lover's hand wrapped in a red bandana. In addition, the director also uses water, mountains, horses, and barbed wire fences to convey the emotional turmoil of these characters. Water represents freedom, while mountains represent stability and security. Barbed wire fences suggest confinement and restriction, which echoes Ennis' struggle to accept his sexuality. The film shows how these symbols can be used to express the nuances of queer identity and experiences.
In another film, The Danish Girl, directed by Tom Hooper, the director uses a painting titled "The Portrait of Lili Elbe" as a central symbol. The portrait is an important metaphor for the character's journey towards becoming her true self, and it becomes increasingly central to the plot as she transitions into a woman. Throughout the movie, the painting changes its appearance to reflect Lili's internal conflict and growth, with the vibrant colors gradually dimming and mellowing as she faces challenges and obstacles. At one point, the portrait is even cut in half, mirroring Lili's separation from her partner Gerda Wegener. This visual representation powerfully conveys the struggles and triumphs of gender transition and the importance of self-expression.
In Moonlight, written and directed by Barry Jenkins, the use of light and darkness creates a powerful contrast that speaks to the film's themes. Light is often associated with hope and redemption, while darkness represents despair and isolation.
When Chiron is struggling with his identity and searching for connection, he wanders through dimly lit streets or sits alone in dark rooms. In contrast, when he finds solace and comfort in the arms of Kevin, they are surrounded by bright sunshine and warmth. These visual cues create a sense of emotional depth that goes beyond what could have been achieved solely through dialogue or narrative.
These examples illustrate how film directors can use visual symbolism to explore complex issues related to queer identities and experiences.
How do film directors use visual symbolism to convey queer struggle and resilience?
In her award-winning film "The Watermelon Woman," Cheryl Dunye uses visual symbolism to portray the historical erasure of black women's lives and struggles with race and sexuality. The watermelon is an important symbol in the film, representing both African American history and white stereotypes about Black people.