Sir Ian McKellen reunites with director Bill Condon (Gods & Monsters) to star as the world’s greatest detective in Mr Holmes.
The movie is a new twist on this famous private eye and is set when 1947, an ageing Sherlock Holmes returns from a journey to Japan, where, in search of a rare plant with powerful restorative qualities, he has witnessed the devastation of nuclear warfare. Now, in his remote seaside farmhouse, Holmes faces the end of his days tending to his bees, with only the company of his housekeeper and her young son, Roger. Grappling with the diminishing powers of his mind, Holmes comes to rely upon the boy as he revisits the circumstances of the unsolved case that forced him into retirement and searches for answers to the mysteries of life and love – before it’s too late.
The move will reach UK cinemas in June, and in US movie theatres a month later, and as a preview Miramax and Roadside Attractions have released this brand new preview at what looks like could be a real summer blockbuster.
Sir Ian McKellen helps London South Bank University graduate Rhys Chapman, raise over £25,000 to produce a short film to highlight homophobia in football.
In September Rhys launched a campaign on the crowdfunding website Kickstarter to raise the production budget for the project, and this was given a boost when Lord of the Rings star Sir Ian McKellen agreed to lend his iconic voice to the pilot film.
Within just two months Rhys had raised the money he needed through public donations on Kickstarter, even attracting support on social media from other celebrities including Stephen Fry and Alan Carr. In another Hollywood tie-in, The Kevin Spacey Foundation also made a generous contribution to the funding total.
Rhys’ short film – entitled Wonderkid, will follow a young professional football player coming to terms with his sexuality and searching for acceptance in a hyper masculine environment. The film will aim to challenge the perceptions of athletes and highlight the pressure they face living up to the identity society has created for them.
Rhys said, ‘It’s an honour to receive support from such influential and admirable individuals. Without their backing and the knowledge I received at LSBU, my vision would not have come to life so soon and I am truly grateful.’
Khalid Shawwa loves Captain Jean-Luc Picard aka Patrick Stewart almost as much as he loves his boyfriend Brett Lotriet. So when Brett decided he wanted to ask Kahlid to marry him he thought about asking the fearless Star Trek Captain for his help. When they didn’t pan out he did the next best thing by asking Patrick Stewart’s best friend, Sir Ian McKellen to help out instead, and he agreed. So here in one the cutest marriage proposals ever is Sir Ian McKellan pitching in and encouraging Kahlid to accept.
Sir Ian McKellen is a talented man. He has the ability to grace stage and screen with ease and is one of the best actors of his generation, switching effortlessly between blockbuster movies, independent films, TV series and a variety of stage roles. But he is also a crusader in terms of gay rights, being one of the founder members of Stonewall, actively campaigning for equality and gay rights and is a prominent and prevalent presence at Pride events around the world. He starred in the first gay sitcom involving two men living together, has achieved lifelong ambitions performing as a pantomime dame and treading the cobbles on Coronation Street. He even appeared in the music video for Heart by the Pet Shop Boys.
I have met Sir Ian on a couple of occasions and he is one of the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure to talk to. When I worked with a LGBT Youth Group, we took them on a trip to London Pride. Walking just behind us in the march was Sir Ian McKellen. We slowed our pace slightly, and soon found ourselves marching alongside the man himself. He was gracious and friendly and spent some time talking to the young people in our group and posed for photographs with them. One of them even tugged on my sleeve and whispered to me “Bloody hell – Gandalf’s gay!” But that was the impact of his kindness and his humanity – he provided those young people with an empowering experience of their first Pride that they will never forget.
So to celebrate his 75th birthday, here are 6 of his best performances and films.
Gods & Monsters
Gods and Monsters tells the true story of James Whale, the gay Hollywood director of Universal Picture’s Frankenstein. Living in his Hollywood mansion, Whale develops an uneasy and obsessive relationship with his straight, muscular gardener (played by Brendon Frasier). The film is rich in character development and an interesting period piece on the way in which gay men in Hollywood in the 1930’s conducted their lives.
Tales of the City
Appearing in 3 episodes of the cult TV adaptation of Armistead Maupins popular literary series, McKellen appears as Archibald Anson Gidde. The series follows the lives, loves and adventures of friends, Mouse, Mary Ann and their eccentric landlady, Mrs Madragil. Set in 1970’s San Fransisco, the series deals with the free loving of both the straight and gay community.
Walter
Ian McKellen plays the title role in this made for TV movie, which was originally show on the opening night of Channel 4 in 1982. McKellan puts in a genuine and touching performance as a young man with learning disabilities whose parents spend the majority of his youth trying to get him to “be normal”. As his parents die, he finds himself at the mercy of social services bureaucracy who place him in an institution, where he experiences the inhumanity of both his fellow inmates and the staff. A truly heart-breaking film.
The X-Men Franchise
McKellen plays Magneto, a mutant with the ability to create and control magnetic fields. He is the anti-hero of the piece, as he attempts to prevent the mutant population from being persecuted in the same way that his Jewish family were in the concentration camps. Whilst his motives are genuine, his methods are not always the same. The X-Men films are action packed, have great special effects and continue to thrill audiences. X-Men – Days of Future Past has just been released at the cinema, further cementing the franchise’s popularity.
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
The Lord of the Rings films are already considered modern classics, with the final instalment – The Return of the King holding the joint record for the most Oscars won by a film (11 in total). The story follows the battle between good and evil as a young hobbit travels across Middle Earth to destroy a mystical ring. McKellen plays Gandalf, a kind, worldly wise and powerful wizard who sets the Hobbits off on their journey and who goes on the battle evil across the land. These films are beautifully put together, with high quality production values, lavish costumes and are a perfect example of epic storytelling.
Apt Pupil
Based on the Stephen King novella of the same name, in this thriller, McKellen plays a Nazi war criminal, Dussander, hiding in suburban America, whose past is uncovered by a high school student, Todd Bowden (Brad Renfro), a young man who has an unhealthy interest in the atrocities conducted by the Nazi’s during the second world war. Bowden blackmails Dussander, threatening to turn him in to the police, but Dussander blackmails Bodwen about exposing his dalliances with Nazism. Their dark relation becomes increasingly menacing, as they bring out the worst in each other leading to murder. Sadomasochism, homophobia and homoeroticism are all explored in this film, which has a dark, disturbing edge to it.
Tonight on Channel 4 News Sir Patrick Stewart and Sir Ian McKellen Talk Gay Rights, Bromance and UKIP.
Sir Patrick Stewart and Sir Ian McKellen talk gay rights, bromance and UKIP with Cathy Newman on Channel 4 News from 7PM.
On her blog Newman revealed:
‘If the film deals with the wisdom of age, it’s as much about mankind’s persecution of minorities – the mutants, as Sir Ian freely recognises.
“When Bryan Singer [the X-Men director] asked me to be in these films he sold it to me on just this point: as a gay man you can identify with mutants – people who have talents [but] are despised by society as they’re different…
“In many areas of the world being gay is still a mutancy which is clearly not tolerated in some societies. You can be put to death for your sexuality. Not in this country. We have advanced – it’s been one of the great joys of my life – since these films have been made.”
So what does he make of the Ukip leader Nigel Farage’s declaration over the weekend that most British people over 70 are “uncomfortable” with homosexuality?
“He hasn’t talked to this over-70-year-old or this one,” he says, gesturing at Sir Patrick. “Farage needs to get out more…Gay people come and get married. The story is over.’
Whether you’re looking for a film about a gay icon or whether it is a gay icon in a starring role, the cinema is the perfect place to track down your favourite idol.
The question of what defines someone as a vintage icon is a difficult one, whether it is their looks, their sexuality, their personal life or their work for equal rights. But taking the definition in its widest sense, here are six of the best films which, for various reasons, are perfect examples.
Evita
Icon status – Madonna is undeniably a gay icon for many reasons. A long and successful career and a devil may care attitude combine with her longstanding dedication to bringing gay rights to the attention of the public. Whether it is by dressing up as a boy scout, in her song lyrics, in the company she keeps or by expressing her sexuality through her creative output, she has been prominently in the public eye when it comes to issues of equality, HIV and AIDs or commenting upon change.
The film – What could be better than Madonna doing what she does best in this film which is, in essence, a two hour music video? But in the expert hands of director, Alan Parker, Madonna gives a career defining performance as Eva Peron, a poor villager who sleeps, manipulates and carefully plots her way to the arms and bed of the Argentinian President, becoming adored by the people and a strong political influence behind the scenes. But all the time, her self-serving ways are never far from her and as the people around her start to realise her motives, a split in the country and the political party starts to appear. Based on the concept album and subsequent stage show by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd-Webber, this is a sumptuously filmed movie with a golden globe winning performance from Madonna, who has never been better in an acting role, excellent support from Antonio Banderas and a soundtrack which you just can’t help singing along to.
Further suggested viewing – In Bed with Madonna; I’m Going to Tell You a Secret; A League of Their Own
The Colour Purple
Icon Status – Whoopi Goldberg has a cult following in America and is a prominent activist for gay rights. In 2010, Whoopi joined Cyndi Lauper for the launch of the Give A Damn campaign, to raise awareness of LGBT discrimination. She frequently defends the LGBT community on her talk show The View and in 1987 spoke at the historic March on Washington for Gay Rights. In 2013, she has been honoured by the Human Rights Campaign as the 2013 recipient of the organization’s Ally For Equality Award, which is “given to allies outside the LGBT community who stand up on behalf of equality for all Americans”. But she is also an Academy Award winning actress, singer, songwriter, and comedienne and, to top that list off, has appeared in the Absolutely Fabulous special “Gay”.
The Film – Adapted from the novel by Alice Walker, the Colour Purple tells the story of a black woman, Celie, growing up in 1930’s Georgia. Forced into marriage and living under the hand of her tyrannical husband, known as Mister, the film follows her transformation from a shy and awkward youth to empowered and a strong and independent woman. She empowers herself by being surrounded by people who love, support and care for her. She also forms a friendship with, and a deep love for, a beautiful and sultry lounge singer, Shug, and the two women form a bond which allows Celie to realise that she does not have to be the person that she has been told she has to be. This simply stunning film was adapted from the Pulitzer Prize winning novel, was directed by Steven Spielberg and was nominated for 11 Academy Awards. This touching and beautiful film is an often forgotten gem.
Further suggested viewing – Ghost; Sister Act; Made In America.
Milk
Icon Status –Harvey Milk was the first openly gay politician to be elected into public office in California. Initially, gay rights were not at the forefront of his agenda, but as his time in politics grew, so did his passion for the subject. During his relatively short 11 months in office, he passed a stringent gay rights ordinance for the city of San Francisco (where he lived), using the increasing political and economic power of the Castro District (San Francisco’s gay village) to push through changes. Tragically assassinated in 1978, he remains an icon and martyr in the San Francisco community and has been described as “the most famous and significantly open LGBT politician ever elected in the United States”.
The Film – Starring Sean Penn, the film tells the story of the political career and the tragic end to the life of Harvey Milk. Addressing his movements into politics, detailing his political battles against the limitation of the rights of gay people and his ideals in life, the film was a critical and commercial success. Securing a total of 8 Academy Awards, Penn won an Oscar for best actor in a lead role and the film also won for best original screenplay. Released in 2008, at the time when California were debating Proposal 8, an anti-gay marriage proposal which in some way mirrored the anti-gay rights legislation in Proposal 6 which is addressed in the film itself, it proves that the themes explored from the 70’s are as relevant today as they were then.
Further suggested viewing – The Times of Harvey Milk (a 1984 documentary).
Rebel Without A Cause
Icon Status – James Dean has long been considered a gay icon. His rugged, chiselled good looks, his masculinity and his status of the epitome of cool set him apart from other actors of his era. There were questions about his ambivalent approach to sexuality and debates about his sexuality have long been circulated. He is alleged to have slept with both men and women, but whether that was true and if so, whether it was for pleasure or to forward his career will forever remain a mystery. When asked if he was a homosexual, he replied “No, I am not a homosexual, but I am also not going to go through life with one hand tied behind my back”. The Gay Times Readers’ Awards have previously cited him as the male gay icon of all time. He is often said to be the epitome of cool and effortlessly projected an image of rebellion, non-conformity and, more importantly, living his life how he wished to live it.
The Film – Dean plays Jim Stark, a 17 year old young man who moves with his family to LA where he runs into difficulties with the local gang, finds love with a beautiful young woman and becomes a father figure to a 15 year old local trouble causer. He is increasingly frustrated by his family who don’t understand him and finds himself drawn into a feud with the local gang leader which results in tragic consequences. The film about confused, middle class adolescents was seen as an antithesis of the films around the time which depicted delinquents in the urban slums. Dean radiates charisma in his role and the film was ground-breaking in its portrayal of the moral decay of American youth.
Further suggested viewing – Giant; East of Eden.
Burlesque
Icon Status – Cher has been a stalwart of the idolisation of gay men for many years, especially in the USA. Her ability to transform her image and her musical style, coupled with her catchy, camp tunes, her high-spirited stage shows and her daring and non-conformist attitude confirm her icon status. But aside from her ability to not take herself too seriously (her appearance in Will & Grace is evidence of this), her music and her acting career, she is also a strong advocate for gay rights (supporting both the community and the parents of GLBT people) and has publically supported her oldest child, Chaz Bono who stated that he was transgender in 2009.
The Film – Ali Rose, (Christina Aguilera), a young country girl with an extraordinary singing voice, leaves her dead end life in small town rural America and heads to LA to make her fortune. She stumbles across a Burlesque club, run by a good natured and motherly woman called Tess (Cher). Within the amber tinged bar, she finds employment, friendship and a very attractive roommate, Jack Miller (played by the ridiculously handsome Cam Gigandet). Amazed at her remarkable talent, Tess makes her the star of the show. But can the novelty of singing live save the cash strapped club from a hostile takeover and will Jack and Ali ever admit their true feelings for each other? This film is corny and cheesy, but has a charm all of its own. It has a paper thin and highly predictable plot. But that is not the reason to watch this film. The skimpy and seductive costumes coupled with the exuberant and energetic burlesque musical numbers (performed with an almost overdose level of camp), mark the tone of the film. There are two icons for one in here, (both Cher and Aguilera have a huge gay following) and you get a naked Gigandet hiding his modesty under nothing but a packet of cereal. Throw in one of Madonna’s backing dancers and add Cher belting out a power ballad and you have a cheesy campfest which should be watched for what it is, which is just damn good, but terribly corny, camp fun.
Further suggested viewing – Moonstruck; Mask; Mermaids.
Icon Status – The outstanding Sir Ian McKellan has appeared in many successful films, been in Coronation Street, played the Dame in pantomime, has performed on stage in the West End, Broadway and worldwide and is an openly gay man who is prominent in his active campaigning for equal rights. He has won numerous awards for his acting career and appeared in blockbusters like the X-Men series and The Lord of the Rings films, but has also done less mainstream films, such as his update of Richard III. Since coming out in 1988, Sir McKellan has often spoken and written about gay issues. He is a co-founder of Stonewall UK. He has had a high level presence at Gay Pride events in London and around the world and states that his most urgent concern is legal and social equality for gay people worldwide. Coupled with that, he is one of the nicest people you could wish to meet and always makes time for people at Pride events. How could this talented and dedicated man fail to make a list of vintage icons?
The Film –Gods and Monsters is the story of James Whale, the gay 1930’s film director, best known for making the Universal Pictures version of Frankenstein. This film follows the latter part of his life, when Whale is a fragile figure, who is physically and emotionally slowly giving up. He reminisces about gay pool parties of his youth and teases a star struck fan that comes to interview him for a magazine. But his new gardener, Clayton Boone, (played by Brendon Frasier) is a young, attractive and muscular straight man and he and Whale strike up an unlikely and, at times, uneasy friendship. Asking his young muse to pose nude for his life drawing, Whale’s obsession with his friend deepens. But to what end? Sir McKellan was nominated for a Best Actor Academy Award for his performance in this film, and rightly so. The film oozes class and explores the nature of the relationship between Whale and Boone in a sensitive manner. The film draws you in with its subtlety and culminates in an emotional gut punch. It is the perfect vehicle for demonstrating what an exceptional actor Sir McKellan is.
Further suggested viewing – Walter; Richard III; X-Men; Apt Pupil; The Lord of The Rings.
