Get over yourself. I read the book. There were no "homosexual overtones." And as to "speaking disparagingly," I've made
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I_Love_Hutch — 10 years ago(January 11, 2016 03:26 PM)
I realize I am very late coming into this thread. I Just watched Seconds last night and I loved it. But to comment on the OP, I didn't see any homosexual subtext here. However, I wanted to share a story that I read once about this movie and Rock Hudson.
During the filming of the party scene, the director, John Frankenheimer, thought it might work out well if Rock actually got drunk. Rock agreed to do this and proceeded to get fairly intoxicated. The closing bit at the party, when the men are holding him down and the man servant says "They know."
Frankenheimer said that though the public was completely unaware, most of Hollywood knew that Rock was gay. And when he broke down crying, he was unable to stop even after the cameras stopped. I guess it was sort of assumed that this had something to do with the theme of the movie, about identity and having to keep things a secret, being discovered, disapproval. The director pretty much said that Rock was tormented about his sexuality. Of course, this was 50 years ago.
I thought the movie was fascinating, if extremely depressing. Particularly the first half hour or so. John Randolph conveyed the quiet desperation almost a little too well. And IMO Rock Hudson gave an excellent dramatic performance. He was pretty adept at light comedy, but he really surprised me here. -
jock_tamsons_wee_brother — 9 years ago(August 25, 2016 09:48 AM)
I've just seen the film and I thought there was an underlying theme of repression but not in the way you suggest.
I was born well after that period but I get the impression that until the mid sixties was a stifling period of conformity where there was little chance of individuality if you wanted to pursue a safe middle class life. The need to be a reborn was a sort of rebellion against that. The idea for this film is great and I'm surprised it hasn't been remade but the social side is dated. Nowadays, men don't need to do as anything drastic as fake a death, get extensive plastic surgery and a new identity, they just have a mid-life crisis, start wearing jeans and t-shirt and buy a sports car.