MovieChat Forums > But I'm a Cheerleader (2000) Discussion > Does nobody else see beyond the humor in...

Does nobody else see beyond the humor in this film?

posted 16 years ago by sarahberkouwer
30 replies | jump to latest

Ok, yes, so this movie is very funny in over-doing all the aspects of femininity and masculinity - the whole pink/blue contrasts, men chopping wood and fixing cars, women cleaning the floor and wearing bridal dresses.

But much more than that I think this movie is about the absurdist society we live in. This movie clearly shows two people in love, but we have created institutions and beliefs like this 'rehabilitation house' (a representation of how we isolate homosexuals from our society). This movie acknowledges and criticizes our society for expecting that all women are completely subordinate and housewife-like, and that all men love cars and are big and muscular. Which should just not be.

And plus, the way that this movie stereotypes gays and lesbians (in a completely non-realistic way) mirrors our ignorant views of them. It shows that in our society, when somebody says the word lesbian or gay, they automatically think of a person like those portrayed in the film. Most people don't realize that gays and lesbians are completely normal people too, the only thing different is their sexual preference which is ultimately but a very small part of their lives.

I hope that this movie resonates on that level with all the LGBT haters (or dislikers) to show them how absurd THEY are.

[–] chumanilove 11 years ago

I agree with you 100%. Honestly, I didn't laugh much. I snickered at a few things such as when Jan said she wasn't a lesbian and really wanted "a big fat wiener up her..."

But even when I laughed, I was really kind of sad. I mean, she wasn't even gay and her parents sent her away where she is being told she's something she's NOT and that whatever she is is wrong. She's Megan's perfect foil in some regards.

Honestly, this was a reaction I thought could happen to me when I was first coming out. I honestly thought that I might be sent to a place like this and it terrified me.

So, yes, this movie is far more than cheap chuckles.

[–] Ezzackly 10 years ago

Oh most definitely. There were humorous aspects, sure but there is a subtle, yet chilling sadness to the movie as well.

[–] MidgardDragon99 10 years ago

I don't think the film would have the cult following that it does if people didn't see past the humor. To be honest a lot of the humor is too over the top and dumb, it's the heart and the way it holds a mirror up to society that keeps people watching.