Another sign of how far we have come

[dsc]

The biggest movie so far this summer is Superman Returns. Bryan Singer, an openly gay man, is the director. James Whale was also a skilled gay director. He made classics such as Frankenstein, Bride of Frankenstein, and the Invisible Man. Made in the 1930's the Invisible Man is an impressive directorial feat. In the 1930's he made over a dozen films. In the 1940's me made only 3. He got blackballed for his personal life, it is as simple as that. Singer's talent is undeniable. It is also undeniable that even 10 years ago no one would have hired any openly gay director for a block buster film such as this. So when you go and watch Superman, and with Brandon Rouch why not, raise a soda to James Whale and catch a great horror film on video as well the Invisible Man

[bliss_eternal]

1. I wasn't planning to see Superman,

--didn't really get the need for yet another Hollywood remake. But I may go now that you've shared this, this--to support him. Thanks for sharing this information! :hi:

[dsc]

2. You are quite welcome

Singer is an eclectic director. He did the Usual Suspects and the first two X Men films as well. He also directed a Steven King film about a Nazi and a kid, I can't recall the name of the film.

[meegbear]

9. Apt Pupil ...

I read the novella from "Different Seasons" and I remember seeing a preview for the movie in theatres, but I think it just went straight to video.

[justin899]

3. Would this be the same Bryan Singer who went nuts a couple of weeks ago

scared to death about internet rumors "outing" Superman who issued a statement saying Superman "is probably the most heterosexual character in any movie I've ever made"?

If that's what you label progress I'd hate to see what you consider regressive.

[dsc]

4. I think the fact he is gay

is probably what lead to the speculation. I think he over reacted but to consider Superman a gay character is on the absurd side of things. I think, espcially Smallville, has used the secret identity aspect to explore what it is like to be gay (keeping secrets etc) but Superman has always been linked with Lois. He probably went too far but the reason isn't hard to see.

[Meeker Morgan]

5. Well it's not gay exactly ...

... but there was a transgendered Silver Age Superboy story.

http://www.tgfa.org/comics/superman/superman.htm

[swimmernsecretsea]

6. That whole thing was just weird.

I mean, I am happy that "The Mayor of Castro Street" is going to be made by Singer, and that he's open and everything, but his rush to refute the internet rumor was a bit disconcerting. It sounded at the time as if he was denying it too strongly. I'm sure the rumors arose because of his being gay and the focus on the Brandon Routh's attractiveness. I just did not know what the hell to think about the reaction.

[swimmernsecretsea]

7. Gods and Monsters (1998) Starring Sir Ian McKellen

Interestingly, a link between Bryan Singer and James Whale is Sir Ian McKellen, who starred in the X-Men films directed by Singer, and portrayed James Whale in "Gods and Monsters," a fictionalized biography of the Whale, at the end of his career and life. It's a sensitive and beautifully acted film, with Lynn Redgrave, and Brendan Fraser. I recommend it if not just for the insight into the life and career of Whale, for the performances of all of the actors. Available from Netflix and Amazon.

Here's a link to the full cast and credits, as well as other useful information on the film:

http://imdb.com/title/tt0120684/

[dsc]

8. That is a great film

Ian McKellen is an amazing actor. I loved the X Men series though I have yet to see the third film. BTW for a great Brenden Fraser film watch School Ties.