Do you think queer representations are becoming too slick, more threatening enough to society straightcapitalism, patriarchy?
It’s interesting because when The Living End came out, it caused so much scandal, it was considered explosive and provocative, especially because of this gay sex scene bareback [sans préservatif, ndlr] in the shower. And then when we remastered it, I think it was in 2008, I saw the movie once more and I was like, ” But… It’s really sweet and tender. It’s just that in 1992, just seeing two guys kissing or holding hands, a lot of people found it shocking. It was long before Will And Grace or Ryan Murphy… I think my interest in sexuality and queerness doesn’t have much to do with the idea of shocking. I didn’t want to do porn for example – but if you want to see it, watch it, I’m not once morest it, plus it’s so widespread now. I always wanted to understand what happens between the characters, their relationships at a certain time. When I started making films, I was inspired by the first films of Pedro Almodóvar, especially Matador et The Law of Desire, which were very graphic and very intense in their portrayal of sexuality. But Almodóvar’s approach to sexuality was always connected to his characters’ moments of truth. It’s something that has always fascinated me, when we have the impression of breaking down a boundary, of going beyond our bodily envelope, like a revelation. Someone who can do that today is Mike White. I’m a huge fan of both seasons of The White Lotus. He dares to explore sexuality in a very frank way, and shows how it can become a space for creativity.
