Analysis Of The Motion Picture Production Code

Throughout this paper the word 'queer ' will be used as an umbrella catch all term for any individual who is not heterosexual or cisgender, and anyone in the LGBTQ spectrum. Queer will also be used as part of the methodology, it will represent "a moment of fissure when that which is normal is thrown into question...[and] set out the notion of queer as a way of denormalizing gendered heterosexuality." ( Li-Vollmer and LaPointe 92) Using queer examination of film, this paper will discuss and explore the struggle between normalcy and deviance. Queer coding occurs when a character is given common traits associated with queer people, whether that is stereotypical or not depends on the character and the creator themselves. This paper will explore

It was a set of moral guidelines for motion picture production companies in the United States of America. Commonly known as the Hays code, it "[prohibited] homosexual acts" from appearing on screen. (GSWS 210, Week 8). Many characters were sent 'back in the closet ', so to speak. However, there was a loophole, if homosexuality was depicted in a negative, or if the homosexual acts were secretive enough for most of the conservative audience to not pick up on, these 'perversions ' may be allowed on screen. Some audience members had realized the hidden homosexual message, and begun to read in between the lines. Interpretations of films vary from person to person, queer audience members noticed this, related what was on screen with their own experience. They were so starved for representation that they would 'take whatever they could get ' These characters were heavily coded as queer, because they would never be allowed in the film if they were explicit in their sexuality, the Production Code would never allow the word 'gay ' or 'homosexual ' to be said. Gay coded characters were used to draw sympathy from the audience, they were perverse and wanted to change and repent for their sins. Suicidal, sad and depressed gay characters started to emerge, and this was the scene for much of gay cinema. Gay characters were always going to live sad, hate-filled lives and they will never find love this was the message given to the queer people watching. The Motion Picture Production Code ended in 1968, but its influence and effects