MovieChat Forums > L.I.E. (2002) Discussion > Something I don't understand...

Something I don't understand...

posted 13 years ago by zombiesushi
5 replies | jump to latest

I don't really understand something about the way the boys in the movie make money, I know they are supposed to be breaking into houses etc. and selling themselves but in the movie Gary gets payed for letting other men pleasure him sexually (the scene behind the sign for instance, he gets payed by the guy who was giving him the bj, and I don't really understand how that works...

Ive seen this in other movies as well, (Mysterious Skin, Twist, My own Private Idaho, etc.) and it seems that the boys are always getting payed to be sucked or to have sex with someone, and while they are sometimes the ones on the giving end of things the vast majority of the film shows them being the receivers rather then the givers.

It just seems backwards to me, is that how it works with guys who sell themselves as opposed to women who do the same? Anybody have an insight into this? I know the message we are supposed to take away from this is that the lifestyle is bad and degrading but they are really sending mixed signals when they show the characters pretty much just getting payed to be sucked off...

[–] DryToast 13 years ago

they are really sending mixed signals when they show the characters pretty much just getting payed to be sucked off...

If you've seen Mysterious Skin then you'll recall that that hustler's life wasn't all lying back and getting pleasured.

The needs of a prostitute's clients will run the gamut, and giving oral sex is going to be a common desire of a man hiring a gay hustler, but it won't be the only desire across the board. Also, each hustler will have his own rules (e.g., no kissing, or I won't do whatever) and the more desirable the hustler is, the more he will be able to get away with such limitations. Nevertheless, each rule will translate into less income, so I think eventually they all get around to doing everything.

P.S. I've never hired a prostitute so I'm just going on what I've heard -- but I'm a good listener.

You may as well go to perdition in ermine; you're sure to come back in rags.

[–] 13 years ago

[deleted]

[–] drtturner 8 years ago

It seems pretty legit. Think about it this way. The John probably sees Howie as a prize and a forbidden one at that. While like the 1 responder said the desired act could run the gamut, going down on the prize and Howie mysteriously or even dominantly not reciprocating probably adds to the John's fantasy. Plus if you factor in the age of Howie, again the John probably has a sense that Howie is not that experienced with what to do and he'd be glad to pay to be able to worship what he sees as better than his options if he were just dating someone. This same theory would hold up in MPI and especially Bbd where Leo's character all but said that he knew that he was hot and off limits but upon his making himself available he should 1. Get paid and 2. Not have to do much and obviously these Johns agreed.

[–] ed-pilling 8 years ago

When I was in high school I was thumbing. Some guy picked me up and said I will pay you $20 if you let me go down on you. I have talked to some guy guys who love to go down on another person.

[–] drtturner 8 years ago

He probably wanted you to thumb him. I like how you left the conclusion open ended. Cool. Never finish the story. Better that we imagine.