is the younger brother gay?
is he? ive seen pictures and scenes where hes in bed with lad his age.
shareWoldn't be very much surprised. You could also be mistaken. A nice kid very much alike to so many other nice kids...
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MovieChat Forums > Tout contre Léo (2003) Discussion > is the younger brother gay?
No, I don't think the younger brother is gay...This is a French film, in France it wouldn’t be considered ‘gay’ for two children of the same sex to share a bed. French culture is a lot less reserved than British/American, men peck each other on the cheek in France and it’s not a remotely homosexual gesture. This is a fantastic film but it’s not a ‘gay’ film and it shouldn’t be marginalised as a ‘gay’ film. It’s just a touching and beautiful film about a close-knit family and how it copes with the horrors of AIDS.
shareI'm french and your analyse is perfect ! the main theme is how manage AIDS in a family... Who cares if the caracter is gay or not...
M/
I'm not French but I agree that what is accepted as affection in France, and most places outside of the United States, is seen in the latter as over the line and homoerotic, maybe outright gay. Imagine two boys kissing in America, even if brothers in a tight knit family! And even if Marcel is gay, so what.
shareI am not sure the French are usually this touchy feely. This seemed a bit over the top and if you have seen the director's film Ma Mere you might see a connection. Not sure what he is trying to get across with this, but he seemed to be playing with the line of familial intimacy and sexual intimacy. The scene where Leo almost has sex and then the next morning his younger brother is laying on top of him, crotch to rear, almost like the guy was the previous night, seemed a bit provacative, which I think was his point.
shareHe might be , but I do not really believe that - because its pretty common thing for two boys same age to share a bed
share[deleted]
I don't think there's any reason to believe that Marcel is gay. He looks at a female section of an underware catalogue, and being comfortable when close to other males doesn't say anything.
It fact it's a great shame that both gay and straight people in cultures such as the UK and US have to read into simple gestures so often, straight people out fear/unfamiliarity with the different and gay people wishful thinking - it all just goes to reinforce homophobia and degrade male relationships in general. I think that the idea of a different equilibrium as seen in this film is all rather nice.
I honestly think it is up to the audience member's own interpretation when it comes to Marcel. I think he is at the age where he is curious about both sexes, and say what you will, but the scene with Yvan in the bed is more than just two friends in bed together. There is a strong undertone of an infatuation between the two boys (more on Yvan's part than Marcel), but there is still something else there. I watched this movie without subtitles and not knowing french, I had to read the actors' faces and body languages. I was able to almost fully understand what was going on and what the director/creator was trying to say. Culture plays a huge role in how we see things, so for the french citizens who say that's how all french people act, for you it's typical. I know many french people and see how they are with their families, but certain relationships in this movie seem to be more intimate than most. You can see it in a number of different scenes between certain characters. I'd say there is a strong hint that Marcel is gay, but no clear confirmation, which I believe was done purposefully.
shareI'd say there is a strong hint that Marcel is gay, but no clear confirmation, which I believe was done purposefully.
I actually think the opposite, see e.g. the scene mentioned here where I think he didn't understand how a boy could love a boy (because nobody told him and he doesn't have similar feelings, at least because he's too young): http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0346039/board/nest/17746377#26767042. share