The Celluloid Closet

Directed by Rob Epstein, Jeffrey Friedman
15
15 March 1996    1h 42m    Box Office: US$1.4MHistory, Documentary
7.896%89%7.2
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A comprehensive documentary of the history of gays and lesbians in cinema, from negative to positive reflections of gay characters and the troubles of actors and actresses.
  • Lily TomlinNarrator (voice) / Co-Executive Producer
  • Tony CurtisSelf
  • Susan SarandonSelf
  • Gore VidalSelf
  • Whoopi GoldbergSelf
  • Antonio FargasSelf
  • Shirley MacLaineSelf
  • John SchlesingerSelf
  • Armistead MaupinSelf / Writer
  • Arthur LaurentsSelf
  • Tom HanksSelf
  • Farley GrangerSelf
  • Quentin CrispSelf
  • Harry HamlinSelf
  • Sharon StoneSelf
  • Susie BrightSelf
  • Mart CrowleySelf
  • Jay Presson AllenSelf
  • Richard DyerSelf
  • Jan OxenbergSelf

The Celluloid Closet Ratings & Reviews

  • Charles London27 April 2025
    A riveting and eye-opening examination. The sorry treatment of gay characters across cinematic history is laid bare. From the thinly-veiled ones who were there for amusement and mockery, to the ones heavily veiled so the folks in Omaha (as well as the censors) would think they were straight, to the unveiled ones whom of course would always be unsavory agitators deserving of a cruel demise. Thankfully that dark era is mostly behind us, but it should never be forgotten. Though this documentary is almost 30 years old, it is a great look into the past, and once we know where we've been, we will know more about where we are going.

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  • The Celluloid Closet
    The Celluloid ClosetTrailer

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