Hiya Brian.

Thank you for setting the record straight :-)

I do not think Ben S. is gay, and if he were, I would still love him
just as much and not *even more*, as a gay man.

As far as actors are concerned. doing "gay" parts in a film seems
largely dependant upon the casting agents and personal managers of
actors and the willingness of the actor to take the part. One good
factor is that MANY straight (and gay or even gay/closeted) actors) are
willing to take that plunge. THIS, in and of itself, is a big issue. I
strongly recommend any members of this group to view the film "The
Celluloid Closet", narrated by Lilly Tomlin. It explains SO MUCH about
how modern "gay cinema" got its foothold after years of suppression in
the USA by the censorship boards.

Brian. I think that *some* actors may "research" their parts, when
acting a gay or ANY OTHER role that is not a "part" of their own
persona. For example, if an actor were to play a serial killer, they
would most likely do some research. (Otherwise. it would be pretty nasty
if some of the actors out there were indeed, serial killers).

BUT, as for acting a GAY role. I do not believe that much "research" is
needed. Just the fact that two actors have to play a love scene, act
"interested" in each other, and so on is somewhat, in my own opinion,
UNIVERSAL. We ALL have the compassion, the ability, the willingness, to
love. and also universal is the down side of being "dumped", losing a
lover, dealing with the emotions involved. So it is not a difficult
stretch for me to think that a PROFESSIONAL ACTOR can pull all of the
scenes off. Besides that, most professionals within the industry of
movie making already have tons of gay acquaintances in all facets from
directors to producers to the grips and gaffers! :-)

Now. what I find remarkable is that actors sometimes come to the
defensive roll. (One may often encounter this in DVD commentary). And,
of course there is Tom C...

AS for what Ben was thinking kissing another man in a romance scene.
that depends. It depends upon his "method" of acting, for there are
several schools of thought, and it depends on how he really related, on
a personal, co-worker level, with the other actor. There are cases where
actors discuss "intimate" scenes before filming. There are also cases of
take after take. What, I think, it boils down to is a combination of
what the director wants, what the actors want, and a compromise as to
how to do it. SOME actors take weeks to discuss their scene (things
like. OK.. kiss me but NO tongue). others takes just moments. and it has
NOTHING to do with their sexuality. It has much more to do about a
professional rapport.

Well. fact is. we are not talking PORNO films here. no fluffers, etc.
but REAL ART CINEMA. I consider "Get Real" a true gay classic. but I
have tons more that are great!

If you are interested, and the moderator approves: check out the Yahoo
Group GLBTQ-Cinema. This group is devoted to the discussion of all main
stream, indie and underground GLBTQ cinema. Or visit the Database at
http://www.studio-46.com/GLBTQ-Cinema/Galleries you will find some
excellent UK movie references (one of my faves. "Like It Is") and you
can join the group from this link.

NOTE TO MODERATOR: If advertising is not permitted on your forum, then
please deleted the last paragraph, but I request that the remainder of
the message be posted. Thanks!!!!!


Regards,
Bob






-----Original Message-----
From: Brian Hill [mailto:bhill65@...]
Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2003 5:47 PM
To: bensilverstone@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Ben Silverstone] Re: two questions

OK people the questions weren't whether or not Ben is gay...I never
thought he was...

I'll restate them more concisely...

1. Being that HE IS NOT gay...how did he do such a wonderful acting job
of being a gay teen? He had to have done SOME kind of research or
something on how WE act, feel, and think...so....what did he read, whom
did he talk to, or WHAT did he do to familiarize himself with the gay
community. IF it was pure acting with guesses on how we feel, think, and
react then he is an acting genious!

2. i am just curious as to what he was thinking being a straight male
kissing another guy on film in a romantic scene when it is very obvious
that he is smiling and laughing just as the scene was ending...was it
pure embarassment...even being straight was he surprised to find he
actually enjoyed it...was his shorts too tight....were the crew members
poking fun at them....WHAT? Just would LOVE to know what he was thinking
at that moment....even if its "thank god this scene is over...i really
gotta go pee!" LOL

Keith40214


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