Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival 2008

Hosted by Harry M. Benshoff and based on his book “Monsters in the Closet: Homosexuality and the Horror Film,” this program explores the role of the “monster queer” throughout film history, from the classical Hollywood period to the postmodern era. This unique and illuminating presentation shows us how horror films betray straight society’s fears of the outsider, while appealing to queer audiences’ identification with ostracized monsters.

Benshoff provides insightful commentary illustrated by memorable moments from such films as THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN, DRACULA’S DAUGHTER, CAT PEOPLE, I WAS A TEENAGE FRANKENSTEIN, PSYCHO, HOMICIDAL, THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW, THE HUNGER, A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 2: FREDDY’S REVENGE, FRIGHT NIGHT, HELLRAISER, and THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, as well as films by out gay directors such as POISON, THE BROTHERHOOD, and HELLBENT.

This is a free program. Special thanks to Jeffrey Schwarz and Automat Pictures for producing and providing the film montages for this presentation.