MovieChat Forums > The Last Days of Disco (1998) Discussion > Homoerotic tension?

Homoerotic tension?

posted 12 years ago by canets
8 replies | jump to latest

Was it just me or was there some homoerotic tension between Des and Josh? In some of the scenes, it seemed like the movie was alluding that there had been some type of relationship between Des and Josh, or at the very least something that could of been. Des relentlessly teases Josh (calling him a loon), which is something that a lot of people do to people they secretly like someone. Honestly, I understand that he wasn't *really* gay (but in my opinion, he could of fancied men but never dated or slept with a guy) but to me, Des and Josh weren't fighting over Alice but moreso playing a tug of war between themselves and their inability to be true with their feelings.

Was this just me? Or did anyone else see it the way I did?

[–] thbryn 12 years ago

Des pretty much sees things one way. Mental illness at Harvard is probably something he couldn't grasp(in relation to Josh).
When the film ended he made it clear to the Charlotte character that they were like-minded and was excited about their prospects.

[–] DefLowd 12 years ago

It was just you. They were rivals for the same girl, which on paper seems to be the opposite of homoerotic tension imo.

[–] Leveticus 12 years ago

They were fighting over the same girl, but I can see where you're coming from. There were a few scenes in the beginning that came off as awkward plus you had Des going on about his confused sexuality although I think it was just an act that Charlotte called him out on.

[–] AfroGeek 11 years ago

I'm guessing you're gay? Gay guys seem to think *everyone* is secretly gay.

Amy: I swear to God...I swear to God! That is NOT how you treat your human!

[–] jcarpenter-1 11 years ago

It's just you...

[–] shesamazingnyc 10 years ago

No, you're not alone.

[–] 10 years ago

[deleted]

[–] Drew_Darko 8 years ago

but to me, Des and Josh weren't fighting over Alice but moreso playing a tug of war between themselves and their inability to be true with their feelings.

That's exactly what I felt when I watched the movie. I didn't think either guy was into Alice, but they were just messing with each other because they were in love. They teased each other a lot, and there were a few choice looks they shared. The ending really confused me at first because I was convinced they were going to end up together.

But I guess it was all in my head.

:/