Introduction/Biography

Hello!

This blog will be used to create critical analyses of the films presented in my Queer Film course. Not only will I be extracting an argument that the film makes in regard to LGBTQIA+ lives, but I will also delve into how it does this. Utilizing assigned readings as well as other supplementary materials (including personal experiences) I will be able to support my claims.

My name is Lexi and I was born and raised in Omaha, NE but a scholarship opportunity is what ultimately led me to the University of Nebraska at Omaha. At UNO I am an English major with a concentration in American Literature along with a minor in Native American Studies. I am a bibliophile, a pineapple on pizza enthusiast, and an avid supporter of musical theatre. A few of my personal favorites include Rent, Dear Evan Hansen, The Color Purple, Les Misérables, and In the Heights. In fact, my one (and likely only) claim to fame is that I was one of the lucky few that had the opportunity of seeing Hamilton: An American Musical in New York City with almost all of the original cast members. Unfortunately and regrettably, this excluded the American treasures that are Lin Manuel Miranda and Leslie Odom Jr. Aside from this, my boyfriend and I attend Broadway shows that are touring in Omaha and the surrounding areas whenever time and our bank accounts permit.

I remember first hearing about Queer Film as a course a few semesters ago when I was taking a Critical Approaches to Language Studies with Dr. Kennedy. Following this, other professors and advisers of mine encouraged me to take it, sharing positive feedback and experiences they had received from students who had previously taken the course. I ultimately decided to enroll in Queer Film for a multitude of reasons. I knew this course would be a challenge for me since the materials being examined are visual pieces as opposed to written works, which up until this point was generally what most of my assignments and projects had focused on. Despite this, I want to continually work so that I may become adept at analyzing all art forms, especially in a world where visuals are becoming prominent devices through which our ideals as a society are shaped.

I am aware that when it comes to analyzing films there are specific terms and concepts that must be addressed in order to properly critique a work. These ideas vastly differ from the ones that are used when analyzing a novel. For instance, the use of particular camera angles or shots, fade ins/outs, and crosscutting provides a certain kind of depth and allows viewers to establish an emotional connection in ways that written works sometimes are unable to. In taking this course it is also my hope and goal to not only identify, but also correct my ignorances as well as familiarize myself on topics that I am currently uneducated on so that I am able to become a better ally for the LGBTQIA+ community.

A vast majority of the film titles we discussed on our first day of class were unknown to me. Sure, I recognized and have seen some of the movies, but it was typically those that have been advertised by the mainstream media and while not always the case, these films often tend to lack depth, do not exhibit true representation, and are problematic in more ways than just a few. Therefore, this course will allow me to expand the range of films I typically watch. Viewing these films in the open setting that this course allows will also bring forth new and insightful perspectives that I likely would have otherwise not adopted or been exposed to had I watched them on my own.

As for certain films, my unfamiliarity with them will likely act as more of a hindrance rather than an advantage. Since I have not seen most of these films, I have no preconceived notions or opinions of them, which in turn will allow me to be objective when examining them. However, oftentimes background information is quite pertinent when it comes to understanding certain aspects of a film, which could be the reason why mainstream queer movies can be seen as shallow and tend to miss the mark. I believe that the lack of LGBTQIA+ screenwriters, directors, actors/actresses, etc. contributes to and perpetuates the production of films that inaccurately portray the experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community and hide behind the guise of attempting to create an inclusive space for them in Hollywood. While it may seem like an insignificant start, I believe these blogs, as trivial as they may initially appear, can be used to expose and confront these issues so that perhaps substantial change can eventually occur within the movie industry, especially when it comes to those depicting LGBTQIA+ lives.