MovieChat Forums > Times Square (1980) Discussion > This is a GAY movie

This is a GAY movie

posted 17 years ago by panik65
46 replies | jump to latest

I really am, well, not incredulous that some (heterosexual, obviously) fans think the lesbian theme in this film is subtle, understated or even arguable. It isn't. This is a story about two young lesbians who fall in love.

The punk haze hovering over this film is a mere sideshow in a story about a bourgeois lesbian girl, suffering quietly and in great danger of becoming a churchmouse (or worse, as she herself states, a "zombie") who collides with a young diesel dyke runaway Nikki, who breaks every chain holding down this young girl. What on earth did you think Nikki was talking about when she says: "I'm a fu***ing freak of nature!" Are you people really that stupid? She's a DYKE. Say it three times. Of course, the "best friends forever" ending is a true cinematic wimpfest, but it doesn't change anything. Perhaps you might be clued in that gays had to relate in codes and clues via the media even in 1980.

I personally read the DJ character as a gay man who recognized what was going on with these two girls and that was the nature of his sympathy with them. To me and any other gay person it is bleeding *beep* obvious.

What I think heterosexuals, punk rockers in particular, find incomprehensible about this film is that gays - as rebels against not against nature (that's impossible), but civilization (and its inexorable & attendant obsession with procreation) itself - might have something to teach the rest of you drones about rebellion. Deal with it.

[–] willtravis101 12 years ago

I just want to say, as I'm sure someone else on this thread has already, I'm heterosexual and I agree with you that the lesbian theme is obvious. Not sure if your opening sentence is sarcasm "not incredulous"?

Anyhow, I think the film is primarily an anarchic coming of age movie (that has a rebellious lesbian relationship as a context). Pam is mesmerized and drawn to a force of nature. As there are no real comparative male characters, I think it's open to interpretation whether she would have run off with a male character? Personally I'd say not, but I'm just suggesting the possibility. It's definitely clear that Pam puts herself in a position to consider her true sexuality. As Johnny points out near the beginning Pam needs to understand and nurture the seed containing her 'unique self'. In Nicky, Pam sees all the things she wishes she was herself. She seems to be more in awe of Nicky, then lusting for her.

I think Robin Johnson's rawly convincing and compelling performance is iconic. I can see how teenage lesbians would want her, she's amazing. I think it's sad that this film was butchered making it disjointed. I think it's sad that there aren't more films gay characters as a norm. It's ironic that what makes a cult film so appealing often also means it will have a marginalised audience. The film appeals to me as one of the best coming of age 80s teen flicks.

I suppose my whole point is; Yes I agree it's a gay film, but don't make to big a deal about it if others don't focus on that. I never give a damn what other people think about a film I like.

[–] filmbuff1974 12 years ago

I just assumed they were just two teenagers who bonded because they were being oppressed by all the adults around them. But now that you mentioned it, I thought it was odd that the entire audience watching the Nicki Marotta from the street were all young girls, no teenage males in sight! I don't think it's stupidity of heterosexuals, it was just that a gay theme wasn't on our radar.

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[–] TequilaMockingbird63 12 years ago

I watched this film at least 10 times (back in the 80's) . I do remember there was an "attraction" between the girls and it made me interested in them. its stirred some confusion and emotions in me. I felt they were possibly "in love" also, but did not understand it.
Ps, I am in my 40s now. and yep. gay! (perhaps it was because of this film?!) lol.

It's Cute, How You Think I'm Listening

[–] sisterdebmac 12 years ago

Tequila, you should join our Facebook groups...

Time Square fans: https://www.facebook.com/groups/126781031994/

Fans of Robin Johnson: https://www.facebook.com/groups/RobinJohnsonFans/

We're in contact with Robin's aunt, JJ. We occasionally get messages to RJ and she replies through her aunt. And we have a lot of fun strolling down memory lane.

You'd fit right in.
________________
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[–] screenscreams 11 years ago

LOL Panik made a troll post and never returned.

[–] henrimaine 11 years ago

I agree that this is a "gay movie" and many posters have made interesting observations about various "gay details" in this movie. But I cannot agree with the following statement from the original post:

punk haze hovering over this film is a mere sideshow

I think this movie is first and foremost a "punk movie", and only after that a "gay movie".

[–] talis-briedis-79-541083 10 years ago

original poster is a homophobe and obviously a generally unpleasant person. I am straight (with a family), loved this movie when it came out. I grew up in Toronto (very gay town) and have never had anything against gays. This movie is just the frustration and anger of youth. I know, I was there, and I really appreciated everything in this movie. It reflected the sign of the times very well. Even in Toronto. Sexuality may have played a role here, but it has nothing to do with what the movie is about. Of course, it only caught my attention back then because Tim Curry was in it (not one of his better roles), but I was pleasantly surprised and moved by the whole movie. Oh, and yeah, KILLER soundtrack!!!

[–] GroovyDoom 10 years ago

How is the OP a homophobe? He/she complained that the movie's gay origins are overlooked and denied and that gay people might have something to teach others about rebellion. I agree the post sounded angry, but not homophobic.

[–] 10 years ago

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[–] TheHungryAndAngryShow 10 years ago

The one thing I can say about this film is that it really doesn't matter if the lead characters are straight, gay or bi, or asexual for that matter. This is about two people that do not fit in, they are different, and they find each other and try and figure out how to survive. It really doesn't matter if they were supposed to be lesbians, and it's great that this movie meant so much to so many lesbians growing up. But it meant a lot to me as well, and I am a straight male. I bet it also meant a lot to many gay males growing up. Also punks. ANYONE who grew up feeling different and like we didn't fit in, for whatever reason. Don't be upset by the fact that straights don't see this as a lesbian film, be happy that people saw it and were moved by it, for whatever reason.