By Nico Pascual
Image: Criterion.com and Fandor Keyframe
In the days following the Orlando shooting, questions have been raised about the tragedy that have sadly been left unanswered. Many have their own ways of coping with the pain, and others are still looking for solace in the aftermath of the events that transpired that day.
But if you find yourself looking at art and movies for hope, you might want to check out this inspiring 3-minute (and slightly NSFW) supercut of LGBTQ-themed cinema. Commissioned by Fandor Keyframe, well before the events occurred, this short clip by French critic and essayist Candice Drouet aims to discuss LGBTQ values through a medium everyone can relate to. As the title indicates, she uses the rainbow flag, a symbol of LGBTQ pride, as the thematic inspiration for this whimsical, colorful montage. She mentioned in the notes accompanying the film that each of the six colors represent a value in the LGBTQ experience.
She then choose films that fit well with each of these themes and colors. Some of the films she choose are: My Own Private Idaho, Blue Is The Warmest Color, Carol, Happy Together, and others. She complements this LGBTQ-film refresher by using the song “I Follow Rivers” by Lykke Li.
Also mentioned in the notes, Candice mentioned that the idea for this video formed when she started finding these values in LGBTQ cinema. “I put together these images representing these values, which are values we can all relate to.” What she speaks is true, and the events that transpired at Orlando make the message all the more poignant. Instead of anger and sadness, this film’s message is celebratory and beautiful, with clips taken from a few films. If these images move you then I suggest you seek out the films which they were taken from. You won’t regret it.