I Don't Want to Be a Man

Maybe a little flawed in its messaging but it can be forgiven for the queerness present

Maybe a little flawed in its messaging but it can be forgiven for the queerness present

This film from 1918 has a man passionately kissing someone who he fully believes to be a man in public and I think that's amazing. It does suck that this film has a 'man have it hard too you know' narrative especially considering it's from the year that women gained suffrage in Germany, it would still be a tone deaf narrative nowadays but especially back then it's almost laughable. Apart from that, though, it's quite a solid silent comedy, given more substance by its queer allusions.

This film from 1918 has a man passionately kissing someone who he fully believes to be a man in public and I think that's amazing. It does suck that this film has a 'man have it hard too you know' narrative especially considering it's from the year that women gained suffrage in Germany, it would still be a tone deaf narrative nowadays but especially back then it's almost laughable. Apart from that, though, it's quite a solid silent comedy, given more substance by its queer allusions.

A really simple film from Lubitsch’s german era that barely constitutes as a full feature film, but one that is quite progressive and funny. I was afraid it was going to go in a Taming of the Shrew direction, but it basically takes the opposite lane, where the woman teaches the man to respect her. Ossi’s performance is also hilarious, and obviously Lubitsch’s staging and composition is top notch.

A really simple film from Lubitsch’s german era that barely constitutes as a full feature film, but one that is quite progressive and funny. I was afraid it was going to go in a Taming of the Shrew direction, but it basically takes the opposite lane, where the woman teaches the man to respect her. Ossi’s performance is also hilarious, and obviously Lubitsch’s staging and composition is top notch.

I always appreciate when an older piece of media is so unambiguously queer and horny and defying of gender norms that it still remains surprising to a modern audience. Incredibly fun early Lubitsch and very watchable.

I always appreciate when an older piece of media is so unambiguously queer and horny and defying of gender norms that it still remains surprising to a modern audience. Incredibly fun early Lubitsch and very watchable.