In the latest Lying in the Gutters, Rich Johnston chronicles the ongoing flap about who knows more about the upcoming Superman movie, and Fanboy Rampage chronicles the flap about Johnston chronicling the flap.
So, what’s your point? Slow news day?
Not really, because something weird is lurking around the edges. From Johnston’s item:
“I understand that Harry Knowles’ sources are very close to Bryan Singer. And, I’m told, that Bryan Singer has a particular theme in mind regarding this film. As an openly gay activist, he’s wanting to give the world a new young gay role model, and is looking to employ someone who is either openly gay or closeted gay, who’ll come out during publicity for the movie. Superman itself can also be seen as an allegory for closeted homosexuality (and is also the topic of a superhero comic project I’m working on called “The Glamour”) and Singer wants to add that meta-textual element to the movie. As of yet, Singer has not plumped for any actor over another, though many are being considered.”
Well, that’s… interesting. Has Singer left a hugely successful super-hero film franchise with a glaringly obvious oppressed-minority metaphor built right in to try and tease one out of a much more iconic super-hero film franchise?
I’m always happy to hunt for sexual identity metaphors in super-hero comics, but I’ve never had the energy to trawl through a Superman comic for them. Maybe that’s because I find him to be incredibly bland. The mechanics are there (“passing” at work, flamboyant and empowered in his private moments), but I’ve always signed on for the “Superman is the ultimate immigrant” theory and left it at that. (Of course, the closet-case construct would go a long way towards explaining his psychologically sadistic treatment of his “beard”, Lois, at least prior to their marriage. Twisted queen! Don’t make her carry your baggage!)
Then there’s the question of the potential effectiveness of this scheme. Does someone automatically gain “role model” status for young gays and lesbians by playing a bland, heroic icon in a summer blockbuster, then offering up their sexuality as part of a publicity stunt? (Or, maybe the question I’m asking is should they?) Honestly, half of America probably already assumes gay people are playing their summer movie action heroes.
Don’t get me wrong. I wish we lived in a culture where a person’s sexual orientation couldn’t hinder their professional success. (Which is only logical since… hi!… gay here.) And, obviously, the entertainment industry is notoriously conflicted about these issues. And, sure, it would be terrific if gay kids had more people they could look up to without having to decode any messages or metaphors. I’m just dubious as to how well this plan would work, if Singer has concocted it at all.
And the most important question hasn’t even been broached: will Singer lure the sublime Sir Ian McKellen away to play Jor-El? I need answers, people!