Film: Torch Song Trilogy

[tjs_whatnot]

I’m always shocked when this film is not mentioned on rec lists. I just assume because it’s so well-known and well-loved that there isn’t a person who hasn’t memorized every line already and to recommend it is completely unnecessary? But, just in case:

Torch Song Trilogy (New Line 1988) follows the life of drag queen Arnold Beckoff (played by

Comments

[alias_sqbr]

I had never heard of this film, so thank you!

[tjs_whatnot]

Yay! I hope you like it and come back and we can talk. :)

[magnetic_pole]

I can't believe this hasn't been recced, either...though I'm also happy that there's now so much to rec that we're overlooking things. (I remember when I first started looking for queer-themed books and movies in the early 90s and could cross off everything on my list.)

I have to admit I've never been interested in Torchsong Trilogy, not since first hearing about it in Celluloid Closet, whenever that was. I'm not ever sure why. But you make it sound so compelling! I'm going to give it a try. Thanks, TJ. M.

[tjs_whatnot]

Right? Many times through the years, sitting around with friends comparing faves and I'm awed that I have to explain to so many of them about this story.

I hope you watch it and that you enjoy it. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

[mindabbles]

This film had a big impact on me when I first saw it. I must have been about 20. I haven't seen it since, I don't think, but I remember some of the lines vividly. Arnold, to me then, was an extremely compelling character. I feel like I learned a lot from him. :)

[tjs_whatnot]

Sorry just now getting this comment. Yes! I really felt I learned a lot from Arnold both on the gay man front and also on the Jewish front. Living in a small western town with very few of either of these, my mind was blown by him and his sense of humor even (especially) in the face of tragedy. I'm amazed at rewatching it, how very many of the lines had stayed with me.

♥