Queerama

A remarkable and compelling chronicle of queer British history, the 2017 movie Queerama, directed by Daisy Asquith, transports viewers through a century of changes, struggles, and victories within the LGBTQ+ community. The movie pivots on a wide array of archival footage, music, and performances featuring familiar and timeless queer figures such as Leigh Bowery, Nicola Bowery, and Quentin Crisp.

The film effectively highlights the tides of change experienced by the queer community in Britain from the early 20th century to the present day. Queerama beautifully weaves together a tapestry of experiences that third quintessentially LGBTQ+—a narrative that is as groundbreaking as it is powerful. Individual scenes in the film capture intimate moments of love, shared queer histories, and socio-cultural transformations.

The legendary performance artist Leigh Bowery, a crucial figure in the London club scene in the 1980s, features prominently in the film, igniting the screen with his larger-than-life persona and explosively colourful costumes. Bowery, known for his audacious performances and unconventional style, introduces audiences to a wild, eclectic world where self-expression and creativity reigns supreme. Alongside him, Nicola Bowery, his wife and collaborator, provides depth and insight into their shared artistic journey, helping to paint a vivid picture of a dynamic and transformative period in queer history.

The iconic Quentin Crisp, lauded as one of the most memorable figures in the gay liberation movement, adds another layer of depth to Queerama. Crisp's life resonates powerfully throughout the film, from his early life as a flamboyant and unapologetic gay man in conservative England to his later years in New York. His unique worldview and singular experiences provide a stark contrast to the world in which he lived, challenging viewers to question societal norms and prejudices.

Asquith’s direction is elegant and thoughtful, the film’s narrative progressing fluidly through juxtaposed imagery of decades past and present. The director's expert use of archival material, including newsreels, public information films, and a variety of personal and cultural artefacts, lend the film an immersive and substantial feeling – as if one were leafing through a collective scrapbook of a community's past. By piecing together these fragments, Queerama tells a comprehensive and poignant story of LGBTQ+ individuals and their collective experience.

The soundtrack is superb, with music from artists like John Grant and Hercules & Love Affair setting the tone for the overall narrative and augmenting the emotional depth of the sequences. Actual interviews and newscasts, paired with candid personal narrations, form an audio commentary that not only enlightens but also deeply affects the viewers. Lending historical context and personal substance to the images on the screen, the soundtrack grounds the movie in the realities and struggles of the times depicted.

Notably, Queerama does not shy away from exploring the darker aspects of queer history. It confronts the prejudices, discrimination, and outright hostility that marked much of the last century. Scenes documenting police raids, prejudicial legislation, and public humiliation are intercut with hopeful moments of resistance, pride parades, and demonstrations. This balanced portrayal manifests as a tribute to the resilience of the queer community and their continual struggles for equality.

In essence, Queerama serves as a sensitive and authentic reflection of LGBTQ+ history in Britain. It showcases the community’s evolution, from the secretive, underground spaces of the early 20th-century to the vibrant and open community of the present day, filled with colourful pride parades and legal victories.

The movie ultimately speaks to the strength of the LGBTQ+ community and the continual struggle for acceptance and equality. Queerama stands as a candid historical document, a powerful tribute, and an impassioned call to action - a film that delights, educates, and provokes thought. It joins the ranks of outstanding documentaries that capture the kaleidoscopic human experience, embracing the LGBTQ+ community with care, honesty, and understanding.

Queerama leaves viewers with a profound sense of history and respect for an often marginalized community, shedding much-needed light on the journey that shaped the British queer experience. Bear witness to the longevity of their fight, the triumphs of their victories, and the promise of continued progress to come.