Analysis Of The Freak Show

The film genre of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer, better known as LGBTQ has been around for a long time. Two terms often associated with the genre include gender identity and sexual orientation. Gender identity is how one identifies their gender whereas sexual identity is who someone is attracted to both physically and emotionally (“Lgbtq Archives.”). The main element that makes and LGBTQ film just that is that the protagonist falls into the category of being LGBTQ. The overarching, as well as reoccurring themes of the genre include the rejection of heteronormative belief and breaking normalcy. The genre was built around rebellion and difference, the first of which is the Hayes code in the 1940s. This can be evidenced by, “the

First off and most obvious, the main character, Billy Bloom, fits into the category of being LGBTQ. However, Billy is not the only LGBTQ character in the film, this is another guy who displays homosexual actions. In a scene toward the end of the movie, Bernard surprises Billy and attempts to kiss him. Along with this, Freak Show clearly challenges gender and sexuality codes not only with Billy but also with Flip. It is clear how Billy challenges the norms but in Flip it is far more discrete but still there. Flip is portrayed as the king jock of the school but does not act like it. He hangs out with Billy which brings about negative feedback and he does not love playing sports, he prefers art. Next, the film does its best to educate viewers as well as positively portray LGBTQ members. The horrific events Billy has to go through sheds light on the still deplorable treatment LGBTQ members have to face. To paint a more positive image, the film shows how Billy was able to overcome and lobby for change. One scene in particular where Billy does his best to change perspectives on LGBTQ is his homecoming queen

Previously, Flip had asked Billy if he could tone it done a little at school so as to avoid unnecessary harassment. Billy agrees but says he is going to be himself at home. At the beginning of the scene, Flip can be seen entering the Bloom estate from afar. This zoomed out perspective emphasizes the sheer size of Billy’s home. Flip looks like a fly on the wall in comparison to massive home that Billy resides in. In addition, this shows the wealth that Billy’s father has. This wealth allows Billy the extensive wardrobe and makeup that he will use soon after in the scene. Once Flip enters the home, the camera angle is much closer up, focusing on Billy’s appearance. Diegetic music can be heard providing a soothing tone perfectly matching up with Billy’s outfit. Speaking of this, Billy is dressed in a bright colored dress and makeup resembling a mermaid. This outfit is very important as it shows how Billy views himself, beautiful, graceful, but also mysterious. He lets the viewer see what he claims to be “himself” (Styler). The camera then turns to flip, making his face the focal point of the shot. Through this, the viewer is able to see how Flip reacts to the spectacle he has just witnessed. To the surprise of many, he is not at all taken, instead, he smiles and says how Billy looks awesome. In further revealing aspects of his personality, Billy fires back saying with all of the effort he put