To be honest, I hated the concept of this movie before I even saw it. I didn't agree with making a movie making fun of gay marriage, especially right now while the battle rages on. I felt it was disrespectful, which is why I didn't see it in theatres. But, when my mom picked it up at Blockbuster, I couldn't help myself. This article had to happen.
While I support the intended message of I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU CHUCK AND LARRY--that sexuality shouldn't matter in how we as humans treat each other--I feel the need to state that the movie offers more to hinder the gay marriage movement than to help it.
Never mind the fact that to make a comedy poking fun at gay marriage in a time when it's such a heated issue is just in poor taste, the over-all premise of the movie offers more to help those who are against gay marriage. I mean, you have two straight men who use homosexuality to reap the legal benefits that we as homosexuals deserve when we enter such a partnership (but don't rightfully receive). Last time I checked, that was called fraud and that's one of the arguments anti-gay marriage activists are using as their excuse for homophobia.
The movie portrays exactly what we in the gay community are trying so desperately to prove won't happen.
*****SPOILER ALERT: If you haven't seen the movie and don't want the ending ruined, please skip down to the next set of stars*****
And to think that just by coming clean and saying, "Well, we only did it because the system is flawed," would keep you out of jail is ridiculous and unjust. They committed fraud against the government and should be punished (as a punk and an extreme-left liberal I feel dirty having said that, but in this case I feel it's true).
By releasing them it says that committing fraud against the government is okay if you do it in something trivial like gay marriage. Thus saying if it regards homosexuality then it shouldn't be taken that seriously.
I suppose the same could be said of domestic violence, then? Or rape? Or murder? Then again, it does seem to take an awful lot longer to prosecute in those cases when it involves a gay man or woman.
Not to mention not only the support, but embracement Chuck and Larry received from the gay community, in the film. I can guarantee if two guys used my sexuality as a way to exploit the system I sure as hell wouldn't be picketing outside the jail chanting, "Free Chuck and 
Possibly one of the best parts of the whole film. |
|
Larry!"
If you don't punish people for what they've done, then others will think it's okay to do it. So, now we end up with a whole mess of straight men and women marrying each other for the benefits, which takes away from the meaning of marriage.
*****END SPOILER*****
I've never been one to preach the wonders of marriage. I'm just non-monogamous that way. Personally, I think marriage is nothing more than a piece of paper telling me that I love someone. Sorry, but I don't need that.
Of course, there are the benefits afforded to married couples, but that's all about politics. Keep your Bible out of my Constitution and we'll be fine. You'll also have no argument as to why homosexuals can't get married.
Aside from, of course, fraud. A case that is backed up and portrayed in this movie. Thanks a lot to Adam Sandler (who normally I love with all my heart) and Kevin James for that one!
The glorified portrayal of fraud aside, there were other subtleties within the movie pertaining to the portrayal and gay people and women. And, glorified is definitely not the word I would use to describe it.
Within the first fifteen minutes of the movie alone, I saw Sandler's character, Chuck, manipulate his girlfriend (who he cheated on with her twin sister) from being angry with him into almost making out with said twin in an attempt to prove to him that she's not boring in bed. Not only does it objectify women, but it also paints us to be jealous (with an "I'll prove to you I'm better than her" mentality) and stupid enough to fall for such a load.
If I were in her position, I would have kicked his sorry ass to the curb and found a new guy to occupy myself with. No woman needs a man, especially when he's such an asshole.
Then, while James's character, Larry, is speaking with a woman in an attempt to switch his pension over to his kids, the woman tells him that an easier "and more fulfilling" way to go about it is to get remarried. "Who knows? It could even be someone you've just met," she says, while displaying and tracing her empty wedding ring finger.
Oh, wow. Another stereotype of a woman who will do anything--anything--to find a man to settle down with. Thanks a lot for that one. (Please note the sarcasm.)
When Inspector Clint Fitzer, played by Steve Buscemi (who just seems to rock in everything he does--RESERVOIR DOGS, anyone?), is picking through their 
Seriously, though. What DOES make trash queer? |
|
garbage he comments that the trash isn't "gay enough."
...what? The trash isn't gay enough? Are you kidding me? What do you expect to find? Empty bottles of KY and last month's issue of "Huge Throbbing C*ck" (which I hope to every god and goddess I've heard of is not an actual magazine)? What the hell constitutes "gay garbage?"
It implies that homosexuals live different lives than straight people. Well, I've got news for you. If you picked through my trash, all you're likely to find are a lot of Nestle Crunch wrappers, discarded rabbit litter, and the occasional Windex covered paper towel from cleaning my dresser mirror.
There's nothing particularly gay about that. But, trust me when I say this, I wave my rainbow flag high and proud.
There's a scene where Chuck and Larry are at this private costume party/event and they're expected to dance. They're convinced their cover is going to be blown because neither of them can dance. Chuck even says, "All gay guys can dance good. It's like a law."
Never mind the poor grammar (gay men dance well, Chuckie), but I've met more than a couple gay guys who can't dance worth a lick (no innuendo intended).
To cap it, the homophobic language used in the movie disgusted me, and I've been saying "queer" since I was seven. The word "faggot" was used four times (twice by Chuck himself within thirty seconds of each other), the word queer used once, flamer used once, the word "gay" was used derogatorily twice and they also had a child who couldn't have been more than ten use the term "butt-pirate."
Lovely.
Okay, now all that having been said, I do actually have something good to say about the movie (I know; I'm surprised, too).
It did have some moments that made me laugh out loud despite myself, such as when Jessica Beil had Adam Sandler feel her breasts to prove they were real, then when asked if he would like a bite [to eat] he replied with, "No, just feeling is fine."
Larry's kids are the absolutely coolest. A tap dancing son and a daughter who likes sports. Yay for gender role rebellion!
But, in all seriousness, I will give it credit that it did accurately portray a lot of what homosexuals go through. Protesters at our functions, government scrutinization, homophobia and discrimination... the list goes on.
Hopefully that will strike a cord with someone somewhere and will be a step in the right direction.
 email this column to a friend
|
| Acting Queer |
Every other Tuesday
Talking about movies from a queer girl's point of view, possibly with psychological, sociological and political undertones.
|
| Aidan Abhorrent |
Aiden is a queer punk rocker feminist with a loud mouth and too much to say. Studying psychology and sociology makes her think she knows everything about everybody, which she very well might.
|
| Contact |
If you have a comment, question, or suggestion, you can send a message to Aidan Abhorrent by clicking here.
|
|
