Robert Downey Jr really wanted to play a gay Sherlock Holmes and he so nearly did. In this episode, we look at the somewhat maligned Sherlock Holmes films directed by Guy Ritchie, starring Downey Jr and Jude Law. We discuss why the first one is such a delightful romp and how the two leads play with the intensen queer subtext to great effect. We spend less time talking about the dreadful sequel, except to dig into the behind-the-scenes drama that forced Sherlock deeper into the closet.

CW: Mentions of homophobia, drugs, misogyny

References:

• Is Sherlock Holmes Gay? by Nikki Gloudeman
• Sherlock Holmes: Queer, Straight, Neither? by Lambda Library
• Is Sherlock Holmes gay? by The Week
• Robert Downey Jr.'s allegedly gay 'Sherlock Holmes.' Seriously?! by PopWatch (archived)
• No Holmes 2 for Ritchie? by Film News (archived)

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In a shocking twist to our usual formula, we are compelled to say many nice things about a Tim Burton film. You see, once upon a time, Burton truly had the juice and made a messy masterpiece that's only sort-of a Batman film. We are also extremely proud to welcome our very first guest; the amazing Raptor, who will help us tackle this delightful disaster.

Follow her on https://cohost.org/Raptor

CW: Child abuse, murder, misogyny

References:

• Batman Returns (1992) feat. Alex Hall by Horror Queers Podcast
• The (not) gay movie club – Batman Returns by Jonny Stone
• Tim Burton's Unmade Catwoman Spin-Off Would’ve Been a 'Boys'-Like Experience Ahead of Its Time by Collier Jennings
• "Look what I found" and "Just like riding a bike" on Michelle Pfeiffer's Instagram

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Equilibrium is a film that we have a lot of feelings about, which is perfectly fitting. We take a look at this unfairly maligned flop from the post-Matrix era of philosophical action films, and discuss how its themes of emotional repression, self-expression, and waking up to who you truly are can be turned into a queer story. Also, about how totally awesome gun kata is.

CW: Death, suicidal ideation, mental health, anti-depressants, transphobia, homophobia, gender dysphoria, police violence, fascism

References:

• Equilibrium Director's Commentary by Kurt Wimmer
• Equilibrium Director and Producer Commentary by Kurt Wimmer and Lucas Foster
• Equilibrium by Kill James Bond

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.