Snatch (2000) has a complicated plot with lots of unlikely coincidences, people surviving multiple lethal injuries, and impenetrable dialogue, even with subtitles.
I gathered that there are two interconnected plot arcs: first, something to do with a "diamond as big as the Ritz," which was stolen from a jeweler in Belgium, and passes from hand to hand as everyone tries to track it down; second, a member of the Irish "traveler" (nomadic) community who is a proficient bare-knuckles boxer (played by Brad Pitt, who is frequently shirtless, but his physique is ruined by multiple rings and huge tattoos).
Every pair of criminal partners has a gay-subtext relationship, but here two stand out:
1. Turkish (Jason Statham, top photo) and Tommy (Stephen Graham, left) handle the Irish traveler plotline, but they also run afoul of the diamond several times, and end up with it (and a dog). Turkish explains that although they're partners, they "don't hold hands or walk along the beach." Nevertheless, their bond is physical and permanent.
They have an extremely physical relationship, including hugging, laying heads on shoulders, and at one point holding hands (I think).
Adding to the subtexts is the total lack of heterosexual desire or romance. There are no major female characters; no one is shown having sex with a woman or ogling a woman. Only the minor character Franky Four-Fingers is even shown with women, and then only in a split-second shot. There are some naked ladies in photos and calendars on the wall, and once in a pack of playing cards, and that's it. Considering that gangster movies usually feature incessant shots of gangster gals and strippers on poles, this is amazing.
An article from 2000 reveals that Paul O'Boyle, who played the minor character Patrick, "shocked" Brad Pitt, Lenny James, and director Guy Ritchie during filming, when he mentioned that he was going away for a vacation with his partner. They asked "What's her name?" "Gareth." "Funny name for a girl," they responded in heteronormative ignorance, before catching on and being shocked.
Guy Ritchie didn't fire him on the spot, but I gather from his shocked reaction that the gay subtexts are unintentinal.
These macho action films always have gay subtext- jut looks at "The Fast and The Furious"
ReplyDeletePerhaps a small chance they were shocked by their dumb reaction? Or am I now hoping too much for a better world?
ReplyDeleteI think they were shocked to find out that you could be gay and a macho tough-guy type, hired to play a vicious gangster. "Not every gay man swishes" is still an astounding revelation for many heterosexuals.
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