Queer Cinema: 2002 – BALD JASON'S GAY GOTH BOY BLOG

2024 Entry #34 04-11-24 “The Slaughter Rule” is a 2002 American coming of age sports film written and directed by brothers Alex Smith and Andrew J. Smith. The Montanna set story mainly explores the relationship between straight small-town high school football player Roy Chutney (Ryan Gosling), and his troubled coach (David Morse), a seemingly queer character with layers of complexity, who has been both inspired and nearly destroyed by the harsh reality depicted within the confines of the film.

Another one I’ve owned for over 20 years, but which I’d never seen until today. This is not an easy film to watch at times. And it could be argued that it’s not a queer film at all, but I think that’s too simple a conclusion. It can be frustrating how much is or is not said in this film, and while it was praised for several aspects, the script was often criticized. It’s a bleak existence, this one, and if this were all the representation we had in the world, this would be more of a problem than it is. Still, this isn’t the happy-go-lucky flick most of you seem to be looking for and it’s definitely not romantic.

2022 Entry #014 01-30-22 “The Badge” is a 2002 mystery-thriller film which was written and directed by Robby Henson. The film stars Billy Bob Thornton (“Tombstone”, “Sling Blade”, & Ellen’s historic “The Puppy Episode”) & Patricia Arquette, with Jenna Malone (“Life as a House”, “American Girl”, “Saved!”) & Thomas Haden Church (“Easy A”).

The story follows Thornton’s homophobic Louisiana sheriff Darl Hardwick, as he hesitantly investigates the murder of a pre-op trans woman named Mona, at the behest of the victim’s wife Scarlett (Arquette). As Hardwick struggles to find justice for Mona, he is forced to face much of his own prejudice and make amends with his gay brother David (Church).

I bought this movie when it was relatively new, but I put off watching it. I knew that the film dealt with the death of a trans woman, and while I’ve always been interested in seeing LGBTQ lives depicted, I wasn’t sure this would be worth it. This changed over the years as Alexis Arquette, Patricia’s sister, came out as a trans woman, and I figured she wouldn’t appear in anything that would be too offensive. And while there were times that I strongly disliked the characters in the film and I can’t say that it’s a great movie, it wasn’t the horrible nightmare of transphobic bullshit that I had originally feared. I can’t give it a solid recommendation, but I also don’t regret watching it.

Tag: Queer Cinema: 2002

The Slaughter Rule (2002)

The Badge (2002)