When "Brokeback Mountain" received multiple Oscar nominations in 2005, it opened a needed and thoughtful national discussion on how Hollywood depicts homosexuality.
The relationship between the two main characters, brilliantly played by Heath Ledger and Jake Glyennhaal, was a study in quiet emotion. Neither were allowed to openly acknowledge the deep, passionate love they felt for the other.
The film, set in the 1960s, showed how far America has ventured since, but also displayed how many of the same stigmas and taboos remain. The fact Ang Lee's brilliant camera work was awarded an Oscar while losing to "Crash" for best picture was as surprising as disappointing.
"Wall E" is a similarly controversial film for its depiction of robotic romance. Like "Brokeback," "Wall E" is up for multiple Oscars on Sunday.
But will its taboo subject matter - the love between two robots - scare academy voters?
Critics will argue the film broke no new ground in the depiction of robot love. Others will say America simply isn't ready to address the topic of robots loving robots. If so, that says less about the movie and more about our culture.
Of course, Hollywood has broached the subject of romance between robots before, but always as a subplot or in unspoken terms.
The relationship between C-3P0 and R2-D2 comes to mind, but they were secondary characters in the "Star Wars" films. And their relationship never went beyond mild beeps and blips - code words in robot culture.
"Wall E" presents robot love boldly and unapologetically in ways George Lucas never could. A scene in the original "Star Wars" involving C-3PO, R2-D2 and an oil can was cut by studio executives fearing it went too far. The deleted scene later became a rallying cry for robot pride.
There's also an entire sub-genre of robosexual film that has long gone unnoticed by mainstream Hollywood. "Wall E's" Oscar nominations and box office success shows an eager audience for robosexual film exists.
Even the Christian Right - the primary critics of robosexual depictions in film - were surprisingly quiet when "Wall E" was released last year. Could this be a sign that American attitudes about robosexuality are softening?
Like "Brokeback," "Wall E" may not win best picture. But it has clearly opened the door to future robosexual filmmakers everywhere.
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9 comments:
But when will a film open the backdoor to robosexual filmmakers everywhere? That's my film - "Brokeback Spaceship."
I have a Star Wars CD-ROM from the early 90's that has the cut "oil can" scene in a hidden file.
Let's just say Greedo does not shoot first and leave it at that.
Only you, Mr. Miller, could make me doubt the sanctity of robomance.
When interviewed on the subject, R2D2 said it best himself:
Whirrrp, bleep, bleep, whoople wheep bloop!
Too true my multi tracked friend, too true.
But will it set of a backlash of robosexualphobia?
I hear they're working on a film now that features transgender robots. But they're straight, or so they say. So there are still barriers to be broken.
I am just praying Peter Gabriel's little ditty wins for Best Song.
"Down to the ground" indeed. Indeed.
I applaud your courage. But where were the mentions of equally brave films "Batteries Not Included" and that one from the 80s with Ally Sheedy and Number Five?
rumor has it there is going to be a constitutional amendment banning metal marriage
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