There is an assumption—or, often, a stereotype—that the musical is an inherently gay genre. The strange reality is that, in terms of characters and themes, queer representation is historically quite scarce within the film musical, a genre that largely revolves around heterosexual romance. In this edition of Queersighted, host Michael Koresky and special guest Andrew Chan, editor of Criterion’s online magazine, Current, discuss a selection of tuneful standouts—from the golden age of Hollywood to deconstructed French homage to Taiwanese experimentation—that queer the movie-musical form, whether through subtext, via thrilling subversion, or by virtue of the queer auteurs behind them.
VICTOR/VICTORIA will be available July 1.
This new conversation between critic and programmer Michael Koresky and Criterion web editor Andrew Chan, discussing the films in Queersighted: The Musical!, was recorded in 2022.
Directed by Vincente Minnelli • 1948 • United States
Starring Judy Garland, Gene Kelly, Walter Slezak
The larger-than-life talents of Judy Garland and Gene Kelly, the intoxicating songs of Cole Porter, and the imaginative direction of Vincente Minnelli come together in this colorful musical roma...
Directed by Howard Hawks • 1953 • United States
Starring Jane Russell, Marilyn Monroe, Charles Coburn
Two glamorous showgirls have everything a girl could want—except engagement rings! In a quest for true love, Lorelei (Marilyn Monroe) and her gold-digger pal Dorothy (Jane Russell) set sail on a...
Directed by Jacques Demy • 1967 • France
Starring Catherine Deneuve, Françoise Dorléac
Jacques Demy followed up THE UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG with another musical about missed connections and second chances, this one a more effervescent confection. Twins Delphine and Solange, a dance instructor and...
Directed by D. A. Pennebaker • 1970 • United States
Starring Stephen Sondheim, Elaine Stritch, Donna McKechnie
This legendary, long-unavailable documentary from Direct Cinema pioneer D. A. Pennebaker captures the behind-the-scenes drama that went into the making of a classic Broadway recording. ...
Directed by Richard Attenborough • 1985 • United States
Starring Michael Douglas, Alyson Reed, Terrence Mann
This spectacular adaptation of the Tony- and Pulitzer Prize–winning musical looks past the razzle-dazzle of the Broadway footlights to reveal the often bitter realities behind show-busine...
Directed by Chantal Akerman • 1986 • Belgium, France
Starring Delphine Seyrig, Fanny Cottençon, Pascale Salkin
The exuberant enchantments of the singing, dancing musical meet the feminist, formalist sensibility of cinematic visionary Chantal Akerman in this uniquely captivating vision of love an...
Directed by Tsai Ming-liang • 1998 • Taiwan, France
Starring Yang Kuei-Mei, Lee Kang-sheng, Miao Tien
Set just prior to the start of the twenty-first century, this apocalyptic tale of pandemic alienation follows two residents of a crumbling Taipei building who refuse to leave their homes despite...
