Comparative Study of Modern Asian and European Cinemas about Female Homosexuality

Abstract

Sexual orientation is a concept that takes on a completely different face from sexual identity. When somebody is sexually attracted to their own gender it is called homosexuality. The name itself has caused a great deal of controversy in society. Mostly, homosexuals hide from society and face various mental and physical problems like depression. The cinema industry nowadays manages to entertain as well as inform, exploring the lesser-known aspects including female homosexuality. The purpose of my study is to examine separately the features of modern Asian and European cinema and how it portrays female homosexuality. This field of study was chosen to provide a clear understanding of how a deeply controversial subject, such as this is embedded in two different cultures. For this purpose, as primary source of the research I would like to make a comparative study by watching two films, one Bollywood and one French (Margarita with a straw – Bollywood, Blue is the warmest color – French). The Bollywood film was created by studying Indian culture which considered the female homosexuality a taboo subject to talk in public. Even though the film is somewhat modern it still shows some of the traditional characteristics. European culture too has its own interpretation of this topic, which the movie I selected brings forward. The research examines the cultures, inherent cinematic norms, traditions, and cinematic traits that the two films portray separately as the secondary source and explores how equality and inequality are built and portrayed in its elements regarding female homosexuality.