Thoughts about lesbian representation on screen
I often find myself wondering if other queer individuals browse the internet like I do, searching for that one queer film or TV show they haven't watched yet.
When looking for lesbian films, I'm always cautious, hoping to avoid those with characters lacking chemistry or resembling an adaptation from a clip on Pornhub. It seems almost impossible to find a film that ticks all my boxes. One ongoing frustration is that, when seeking films with lesbian protagonists, most of them conclude on a somber note. Give me a happy ending, for once. While I appreciate avoiding the clichéd American "they lived happily ever after," I am quietly frustrated with encountering yet another film with a sad ending. Many queer stories depicted on screen revolve around the theme of two characters unable to be together. While this narrative certainly reflects some truths, it isn't always the case, and it saddens me to witness such portrayals predominantly on screen.
As someone who had their first queer encounter in their 20s, it upsets me to see these sad depictions, leaving me with a sense of hopelessness, even though I myself live in a queer relationship. Let's discuss "Portrait of a Lady on Fire," and I hope the queer community won't criticize me for this opinion, considering the film's positive reviews. Although I appreciate the lack of oversexualization and the absence of the male gaze in the portrayal of the two characters' relationship, I still found myself unsatisfied. While acknowledging historical accuracy and the current reality in many parts of the world, it would be refreshing to see, at least once, a film portraying a love story with a positive ending. Not to deny existing issues, but rather to create a hopeful and powerful portrait of what could be – fighting for love and being together.
The focus should shift from hiding one's identity to addressing other problems related to sexuality, such as navigating parenthood as a same-sex couple or managing a relationship while dealing with personal development or depression. Every time I search for a film, I have to check the ending beforehand, which is quite annoying because it means I already know the outcome before watching. Expressing my feelings about queer films can be daunting, as I realize that people may have different tastes, such as in the case of "Portrait of a Lady on Fire." While I appreciate that it avoids pornographic representations of relationships, the film left me feeling melancholic, knowing the two women didn't end up together.
Although I am currently guilty of watching the Emily Dickinson series, I remain dissatisfied with the portrayal of lesbian relationships as inherently difficult due to societal pressures. These shows and films seem to evoke a sort of trauma in me, as they aim more at helping others understand the challenges rather than providing positive representation. Please, I implore, give me a lesbian representation of a couple with genuine chemistry, devoid of gratuitous nudity and the male gaze, coupled with great cinematic shots and a happy ending. Is that too much to ask? Heartbreaker provided a great representation, showcasing the challenges of navigating one's sexuality and coming out without leaving viewers with a sense of missed opportunities.
One more thing that irks me is the lingering feeling that such films leave women with, suggesting that despite their efforts and love, they are confined by a patriarchal system. No, thank you. I reject the notion that we should get used to it and have others empathize with our struggles. I'm not suggesting erasing films like "Portrait of a Lady on Fire"; cinematically and historically, it did a great job. However, I am calling for a broader range of lesbian representation on screen, seizing those missed opportunities.
