But I'm a Cheerleader

Reason Movie Chosen

I chose this movie because it is a spoof on queer stereotypes, because it has two actors whom are well respected (Natasha Lyonne and Clea Duvall), and because it is well liked in the gay community.

Bibliographic Information

Director: Jamie Babbit

Studio: Universal Studios

Release Date: 1999

ASIN: B00004X13Q

Genre

Gay & Lesbian, Comedy, Romance

About the Director

Jamie Babbit has directed many films and television show episodes. Many of them are geared towards young adults, and a few have queer themes or characters. Some TV shows include The L Word, Gossip Girl, 90210, Malcolm in the Middle, Drop Dead Diva.

Teaser

Playing straight has never been so gay.

Plot Summary

Megan, a feminine teenage cheerleader in the suburbs is confronted by her friends and family and told, much to her surprise, that she is a lesbian, because she has a Melissa Etheridge poster, pictures of girls in her locker, and is a vegetarian. She is shipped away to True Directions, an over-the-top rehabilitation camp that turns gay teens straight. The entire camp is painted blue and pink and the overpowering director, Mary, and her feminine son Rock, run the camp, along with a few other ex-gay counselors. The girls must wear pink all the time and learn how to be domestic, wash dishes, take care of babies, vacuum, and cook. The boys have to wear blue and learn how to be chop wood, learn mechanical skills, and be burly. Megan admits that she is a lesbian and really tries to learn the ways of ‘becoming straight”, but her willpower is tested by another camper, Graham, and by a couple ex-ex gays.

Critical Analysis

This movie has a lot of potential as a spoof because the idea driving it, a gay to straight camp, iz good one, and because the cast has a couple phenomenal actors. The writing, however, is poor, the characters are flat, and although this seems intentional it doesn’t work because the plot is also flat and predictable. The main character, Megan, is naive, and a little bit annoying. The movie pokes fun of clichés but in many ways becomes just as cliché itself. This movie got poor ratings in critic circles, but is still well liked by the gay community.

Themes/Tags/Issues

Gender Roles, Religion, Homosexuality

Controversial Issues

This movie could spark some interesting conversations about gender roles and stereotypes, as well as arguments about how homosexuality is perceived by different people in society (as a sin, as a perversion or psychological disorder, or as “normal”).

Curriculum Tie Ins

Gender/Sex studies

Rating

R