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Gay themes grab hold
Globes highlight the year in alternative cinema

By DAVID S. COHEN

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'Breakfast on Pluto' was one of many gay-themed films highlighted this year at the Golden Globes.

It's red meat for the culture warriors.
This year's Globe noms highlight a year in which lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender characters played major roles in crossover titles.

"Brokeback Mountain," "Breakfast on Pluto," "Capote" and even "The Producers" put gay characters front and center.

"Transamerica" has a transgender lead, and Pierce BrosnanPierce Brosnan plays a bisexual man in "The Matador."

While a barrage from the right about Hollywood's gay agenda is to be expected, the defense is already gearing up.

"These are films with universal themes that everyone can identify with," said GLAAD spokesman Damon Romine. "'Brokeback Mountain' is a great American romance where two men happen to be in love with each other."

Gay characters have become routine in film and TV. For the most part, though, those gay characters didn't have any actual sex -- at least, not onscreen. And they were often there to provide sage advice to straight leads.

But "Brokeback Mountain," shows a passionate love between two men, and doesn't flinch from the physical side.

Curt Shepart, director of government relations for the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian center, said "Brokeback" is different because "It's not self-conscious. it's not dealing with coming out of the closet."

The characters, said Shepard, have no political agenda, and the film doesn't proselytize.

"It's just about these two people in that period of time, when it was impossible to express themselves in any way except through the relationship."


http://www.variety.com/VR1117934529.html