Watch The Silver Screen: Color Me Lavender

The Silver Screen: Color Me Lavender is a 1997 documentary film directed by Mark Rappaport. The film explores the topic of homosexuality in Hollywood cinema, from the silent era to the present day. The film is hosted by actor and comedian Dan Butler and features interviews with notable figures in the film industry, including Don Ameche and Johnny Arthur.

The film depicts how the portrayal of homosexuality in movies has evolved over time, from the early days of Hollywood when homosexuality was considered taboo, to more recent times where films have been more accepting of LGBTQ+ themes. The film highlights how gay characters and even gay subtexts have existed in Hollywood movies going back to the silent film era.

The film features clips from various Hollywood movies that have either overt or subtle references to homosexuality. For example, the film highlights the film, The Children's Hour, a 1961 movie starring Audrey Hepburn and Shirley MacLaine, which depicts a lesbian relationship. The film also highlights the work of actor Rock Hudson, who was a closeted gay man during his time in Hollywood. The film discusses how studios would try to hide the sexuality of their actors, but how it would often come to light in the tabloids.

The Silver Screen: Color Me Lavender also explores the role of camp in Hollywood movies. Camp is defined as a style or sensibility that celebrates the unnatural, the artificial, and the exaggerated. It has been an element of queer culture throughout history, but its influence on Hollywood movies really began in the 1960s. The film discusses how camp has allowed gay audiences to find humor and pleasure in films that might otherwise have marginalized them.

The film considers how Hollywood movies have impacted the way that society views homosexuality. It notes how in the past, homosexuality was viewed as something that was deviant and shameful. The film shows how the representation of gay characters in movies has helped to change public attitudes towards homosexuality. The film suggests that Hollywood movies have had a significant impact on the normalization of homosexuality in society.

Throughout the film, Dan Butler provides humorous and insightful commentary on the various clips and themes being discussed. His commentary is a highlight of the film, and he provides a unique perspective on the topic of homosexuality in Hollywood cinema. The film is also interspersed with clips from interviews with individuals such as Don Ameche and Johnny Arthur, who offer additional insights into the topic.

In conclusion, The Silver Screen: Color Me Lavender is an insightful documentary that explores the topic of homosexuality in Hollywood movies. It offers a unique perspective on the topic, highlighting the evolution of the portrayal of homosexuality in films and its impact on broader society. With its use of clips from Hollywood movies throughout the decades, the film provides a valuable historical and cultural perspective on the topic. Dan Butler's humorous commentary adds an extra layer of entertainment to the film, making it an enjoyable and informative watch for audiences interested in Hollywood cinema and the history of LGBTQ+ representation in film.

The Silver Screen: Color Me Lavender is a 1997 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.