Severely lacking positive representation in the media, here are five films with positive attitudes to bisexuality. Regardless of genre and also whether the main storyline is dependent on the bisexuality of its character/s, or it’s just an aspect of the film that isn’t shown in a bad light. Five positively wonderful films.
1. JENNIFERS BODY (2009)
(Director: Karyn Kusama)
Written by the incredibly witty and wonder Diablo Cody, Jennifer’s Body may seem like a strange choice to place on the list regarding bisexual representation. But when you delve beyond the surface of Jennifer and Needy’, there is in fact a love that goes further than friendship. Throughout the film Needy is labelled a lesbian regarding her love for Jennifer, despite the fact she has her own boyfriend and Jennifer is just an all-round man-eater, these comments don’t feel too far off the mark. Whilst there’s no doubt Needy loves Chip, we’re witness to few moments that show Needy is attracted to Jennifer also and later on in the film Jennifer actually does briefly reciprocate this, even if anything Jennifer does comes across as insincere. Jennifer’s Body truly is just a wonderful story of friendship and how far you’re willing to go for those that you love.
2. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
(Director: Jim Sharman)
When conservative couple Brad and Janet find themselves at the home of Dr. Frank N. Furter, their lives are changed forever as they soon question themselves and their sexuality. Rocky Horror is a hedonistic display of pure bisexuality and sexual exploration. Nailing in the point that no matter who you are or who you want to be, that is ok, and you deserve to be accepted. Along with a wonderfully catchy soundtrack and cast that includes Tim Curry and Susan Sarandon, it’s no wonder that The Rocky Horror Picture show has cemented its cult classic status over the last 46 years.
3. Bound (1996)
(Directors: Lilly and Lana Wachowski)
Corky (Gina Gershon) and Violet (Jennifer Tilly) meet when Cork, the ex-convict, is working on a renovation in the apartment next door to Violet. Immediately, Violet finds herself attracted to Corky, despite being in a relationship with Caesar the mobster. Together they forge a plan to dump Caesar, steal millions of dollars and place the blame on Caesar. Jennifer Tilly is a wonderfully versatile actress that takes this film to the next level, making it another absolutely brilliant watch by the Wachowski sisters.
4. The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
(Director: Anthony Minghella)
With a story that doesn’t explicitly revolve around bisexuality, The Talented Mr. Ripley follows Matt Damon as he portrays Tom Ripley, an exceptionally smart young man who travels to Italy to convince the son of a wealthy man to return to the U.S. Impressed by the wealthy man, Dickie Greenleaf, and his lifestyle, Tom descends into a tumultuous scheme of stolen identity, lies and murder. Along the way he finds himself the object of affection to both Meredith Logue and Peter Smith-Kingsley. The heart wrenching ending leaves you very confused as to who Tom truly adored more, seemingly infatuated with them both.
5. Sunday Bloody Sunday (1971)
(Director: John Schlesinger)
Glamorous artist Bob Elkin finds himself simultaneously in a relationship with both the beautiful divorcee Alex (Glenda Jackson) and Doctor Daniel Hirsh. Both are fully aware that Bob is intimately involved with both of them and yet neither of them willing to let go of the vitality and joy he brings to their lives. The film is entirely accepting and non-judgmental of the sexuality of its characters. Sunday Bloody Sunday was also the first British film to show two men kissing, its positive portrayal of bisexuality was ground-breaking.
Comments