The Celluloid Closet

Narrated by Lily Tomlin, this acclaimed documentary is based on Vito Russo’s groundbreaking book. The filmmakers examine the subtext of more than 100 Hollywood movies—including Spartacus, Rope and Thelma and Louise—and chart the cinematic journey of lesbian and gay stereotypes through the first century of the movies. Film clips are paired with director, producer and actor interviews featuring, among others, Gore Vidal, Tom Hanks and Whoopi Goldberg.

Available Formats

DVD: $25.00

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Reviews

"Fascinating... a beautifully and thoughtfully made film that touches on many areas of human sexuality and human expression beyond the obvious ... a vital and artful piece of work ... Celluloid Closet is a nonfiction film that presses more emotional buttons than many a manipulative melodrama and seems of equal interest to those of every conceivable sexual identity. It's not only about how people see each other and see themselves; it's also about being human and the joy and pain and confusion that strange condition entails."

 - Tom Shales, The Washington Post

 "Two thumbs up ... terrific!"

 - Siskel & Ebert

Credits

Produced and Directed by
Rob Epstein & Jeffrey Friedman 

Narrated by
Lily Tomlin 

Co-Producer
Michael Lumpkin

Executive Producers
Howard Rosenman
Bernie Brillstein
Brad Grey

Co-Executive Producer
Lily Tomlin

Executive Producer for HBO
Sheila Nevins

Story by
Rob Epstein
Jeffrey Friedman
Sharon Wood

Narration Written by
Armistead Maupin

Edited by
Jeffrey Friedman
Arnold Glassman

Director of Photography
Nancy Schreiber

Art Director
Scott Chambliss

Music by
Carter Burwell

Awards

Partial List…

EMMY AWARD
Outstanding Achievement in a Craft: Directin

GEORGE FOSTER PEABODY AWARD
University of Georgia School of Journalism

COLUMBIA DU-PONT AWARD
Excellence in Journalism

5 PRIME TIME EMMY NOMINATIONS
National Academy of Television Arts & Science

FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AWARD
Sundance Film Festival

FEATURED SCREENINGS (partial list):

Venice Film Festival 

Toronto Film Festival 

New York Film Festival 

Sundance Film Festival 

Berlin Film Festival 

Hong Kong Film Festival 

Istanbul Film Festival 

Tokyo Film Festival 

Sydney Film Festival