Death in Venice (1971)

[yellowcakeuf6]

"A compelling exploration of homosexuality and morality", and "A contemplative exploration of homosexuality" are two quotes from the new Blu-ray.com review, while those subjects are hard to ignore, I always saw this film as more about the nature of beauty, and obsession. Since Aschenbach never acts on his obsession, how could one fully say this is an exploration of homosexuality?

[Pinot Grigio]

Originally Posted by yellowcakeuf6

"A compelling exploration of homosexuality and morality", and "A contemplative exploration of homosexuality" are two quotes from the new Blu-ray.com review, while those subjects are hard to ignore, I always saw this film as more about the nature of beauty, and obsession. Since Aschenbach never acts on his obsession, how could one fully say this is an exploration of homosexuality?

Yup! Those quotes sound like they completely misunderstood the purpose. I loved the film but I would never list it in a recommendation of gay cinema. The child is symbolic of the older man's younger self.

Also, am I the only one who thought the yellow tint was distinct and beautiful?

[rip63]

Originally Posted by yellowcakeuf6

"A compelling exploration of homosexuality and morality", and "A contemplative exploration of homosexuality" are two quotes from the new Blu-ray.com review, while those subjects are hard to ignore, I always saw this film as more about the nature of beauty, and obsession. Since Aschenbach never acts on his obsession, how could one fully say this is an exploration of homosexuality?

Indeed. I was very disappointed when I read this in the review here. With no offence intended toward the reviewer, that came off as an inability to see beyond surface levels, therefore missing the point entirely. Now I think of it, even bits of the dialogue indicate the true nature of its theme/s... I guess it will forever remain a film that divides.

[Lutz]

Originally Posted by yellowcakeuf6

"A compelling exploration of homosexuality and morality", and "A contemplative exploration of homosexuality" are two quotes from the new Blu-ray.com review, while those subjects are hard to ignore, I always saw this film as more about the nature of beauty, and obsession. Since Aschenbach never acts on his obsession, how could one fully say this is an exploration of homosexuality?

Because even in 1971 being a “closet queen” was still a very real reality for gays.

And especially when you combine Thomas Mann and Dirk Bogarde’s long struggle with the closet and Visconti being a huge queen the gay lineage here, with what it’s doing figuratively and narratively and as a meta narrative, is through the roof.

[yellowcakeuf6]

Originally Posted by Lutz

Because even in 1971 being a “closet queen” was still a very real reality for gays.

And especially when you combine Thomas Mann and Dirk Bogarde’s long struggle with the closet and Visconti being a huge queen the gay lineage here, with what it’s doing figuratively and narratively and as a meta narrative, is through the roof.

Though the time in which the film was made has to be considered, I didn't indicate it was devoid of the subject, I still think it is much less an exploration, I.e. thorough analysis..

[Ebab]

Originally Posted by yellowcakeuf6

"A compelling exploration of homosexuality and morality", and "A contemplative exploration of homosexuality" are two quotes from the new Blu-ray.com review, while those subjects are hard to ignore, I always saw this film as more about the nature of beauty, and obsession. Since Aschenbach never acts on his obsession, how could one fully say this is an exploration of homosexuality?

I agree. In the novella, and the film picks up on it, the same-gender attraction is presented as important, but more like a symptom of the protagonist giving up the life that he’s lived, with all its demands and facades, letting go of life itself. In its essence, this is not a film “about homosexuality”.