- Paperback: 192 pages
- Publisher: Reynolds & Hearn; illustrated edition edition (March 2002)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1903111102
- ISBN-13: 978-1903111109
- Product Dimensions: 23.4 x 18.3 x 2 cm
- Shipping Weight: 476 g
- Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
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Product Details |
Product Description
Book Description
A sweeping illustrated survey of gay and gay–themed cinema, including 80 photos and posters and a comprehensive filmography.
From the Publisher
Frightening the Horses is a celebration of gay cinema, from the “undercover” icons of the 40s and 50s, and the sexual revolution of the 60s and 70s, to the more explicit films of the last 30 years. It embraces all gay and gay–themed movies—as well as the subtexts, the in–jokes, and the coded messages that run through film–world culture. Chapters include: Forbidden Topics, Circumventing the Censor, Gay Icons, Public Versus Private Lives, and Out of the Closet, and extended treatment is given to cult stars like James Dean, Judy Garland, Joan Crawford, River Phoenix, Keanu Reeves, and Madonna. Featuring 80 photos, film stills, and posters, as well as a complete filmography, Frightening the Horses is a marvelous guide to some of the most subversive and provocative movies of the last hundred years.
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Most helpful customer reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
Unfortunately, a mixed bag,
By ctyankee "ctyankee" (Connecticut) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Frightening the Horses: Gay Icons of the Cinema (Paperback)
Frightening The Horses is described as a "personal journey through a century of gay-themed cinema." While there are some personal references, it would be much more accurate to describe the book as a compendium of gay actors, gay icons, and key movies they made.For what it really is, the material is presented in a straight-forward easy to digest manner. The layout of the material is quite good and there are many b/w pictures. I would have found it much more interesting if the author decided to be less of an editor and became more vested in his book. For example, he mentions several actors that worked for Alfred Hitchcock but does not address what the director thought of homosexuals nor any observations or conclusions on why Hitch did so many gay-specific sub-plots in his movies. Also, where is the info on famous gay directors such as George Cukor or Vincente Minnelli? The potential reader might also want to consider that the 2002 edition (current edition) of the book is being distributed without an index. An addendum says that the index is available on-line. It is not. When the publisher was contacted he provided a hotmail address for the writer's assistant. There was no response to my e-mail. Given all of this, my overall impression of the book is luke-warm.
5.0 out of 5 stars
More info than you thought possible,
By
This review is from: Frightening the Horses: Gay Icons of the Cinema (Paperback)
I had heard rumors about certain actors and actresses all my life - who hasn't - that So & So was gay/lesbian/whatever. This book discusses some of these aspects of Hollywood life as well as the various films regarding homosexuality. There's some films I never thought had anything to do with homosexuality - for instance, the Rita Hayworth film "Gilda". I never realized the male leads played the part as if they were gay lovers. It makes total sense once it's pointed out, but I have to admit I didn't see that aspect before. Much information is provided regarding various actors' sexual preferences, even detailing Judy Garland's unfortunate picks of husbands (one was having an affair with Liza's husband - that's something for Jerry Springer!). Most of the information is not sensationalized, however, and makes for a very good read. Much of Hollywood's past, a homosexual was forced to marry to cover up his/her sexuality. Careers would (and did) crumble if a whiff of homosexuality surrounded a star. The people who had to deal with living this lie are names and discussed, but not in a "National Enquirer" way. Their personal lives as well as their professional lives are skillfully interwoven to give you a complete picture of the person. Mr Braun treats his subjects with the respect they deserve. If you want to see how much gays and lesbians influenced the movies, this book is a great place to start. I never realized there were so many actors and actresses that were in the closet and I never realized so many films had a gay subtext. I will be looking at the movies a little differently now, thanks to Mr Braun.
Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta) Amazon.com:
4.0 out of 5 stars (2 customer reviews) 5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars
Unfortunately, a mixed bag,
By ctyankee "ctyankee" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Frightening the Horses: Gay Icons of the Cinema (Paperback)
Frightening The Horses is described as a "personal journey through a century of gay-themed cinema." While there are some personal references, it would be much more accurate to describe the book as a compendium of gay actors, gay icons, and key movies they made.For what it really is, the material is presented in a straight-forward easy to digest manner. The layout of the material is quite good and there are many b/w pictures. I would have found it much more interesting if the author decided to be less of an editor and became more vested in his book. For example, he mentions several actors that worked for Alfred Hitchcock but does not address what the director thought of homosexuals nor any observations or conclusions on why Hitch did so many gay-specific sub-plots in his movies. Also, where is the info on famous gay directors such as George Cukor or Vincente Minnelli? The potential reader might also want to consider that the 2002 edition (current edition) of the book is being distributed without an index. An addendum says that the index is available on-line. It is not. When the publisher was contacted he provided a hotmail address for the writer's assistant. There was no response to my e-mail. Given all of this, my overall impression of the book is luke-warm. 6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
More info than you thought possible,
By Patricia R. Andersen "redheaded booklover" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Frightening the Horses: Gay Icons of the Cinema (Paperback)
I had heard rumors about certain actors and actresses all my life - who hasn't - that So & So was gay/lesbian/whatever. This book discusses some of these aspects of Hollywood life as well as the various films regarding homosexuality. There's some films I never thought had anything to do with homosexuality - for instance, the Rita Hayworth film "Gilda". I never realized the male leads played the part as if they were gay lovers. It makes total sense once it's pointed out, but I have to admit I didn't see that aspect before. Much information is provided regarding various actors' sexual preferences, even detailing Judy Garland's unfortunate picks of husbands (one was having an affair with Liza's husband - that's something for Jerry Springer!). Most of the information is not sensationalized, however, and makes for a very good read. Much of Hollywood's past, a homosexual was forced to marry to cover up his/her sexuality. Careers would (and did) crumble if a whiff of homosexuality surrounded a star. The people who had to deal with living this lie are names and discussed, but not in a "National Enquirer" way. Their personal lives as well as their professional lives are skillfully interwoven to give you a complete picture of the person. Mr Braun treats his subjects with the respect they deserve. If you want to see how much gays and lesbians influenced the movies, this book is a great place to start. I never realized there were so many actors and actresses that were in the closet and I never realized so many films had a gay subtext. I will be looking at the movies a little differently now, thanks to Mr Braun. |
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