Mixed doubles: why queer erotic sports cinema is enjoying a grand slam
Muscular bodies dripping with sweat are all over cinema screens – and each other. But these films are very different from the sports romances of old
This spring is shaping up to be the season of the artful athletic romance in cinema. Rose Glass’s Love Lies Bleeding and Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers both offer up their own twisted queer romances set within the world of sport. Both film-makers share a preoccupation with their athletes, lingering over their bodies in ultra-closeup. Muscles ripple and swell like the powerful pulse of the tide. Perfect, glistening orbs of sweat form then drift off the body in slow motion. In these films, ripped, toned bodies become tantalising, treacherous landscapes, and it’s on this physical terrain that we can see exactly how and why the characters’ internal desires play out.
Love Lies Bleeding opens with a pulsating montage in a grimy gym as Glass confronts us with running, cycling, lifting, pressing bodies in all of their sweating, straining vulgarity. Meanwhile, Lou (Kristen Stewart), the uninspired gym manager, is sticking her hand down the venue’s perpetually clogged toilet. However, when Jackie (Katy O’Brian), a wannabe bodybuilder, rolls through town, all this grotesquery becomes a thing of beauty. They begin a romance. Lou pumps her lover full of steroids and constantly ogles her dense muscles.
Continue reading...Date: |
Filter
-
Why the Sill Is Doubling Down on DTC 12 Years Into Business
Founder and CEO Eliza Blank shares how her plant company has found a new--and profitable--path to growth.Inc. - Business -
Game, sex, match — the return of the erotic movie
It’s time to embrace old-fashioned romantic thrillers againFinancial Times - Business -
Why Would Miami Dolphins Owner Stephen Ross Turn Down a Staggering $10 Billion Offer to Sell the Team? Blame Formula 1 and the Miami Grand Prix
Also credit the organization's ability to 'festivalize' sports, expanding a sporting event with a wide variety of options and experiences.Inc. - Business -
Miami GP sprint qualifying: Verstappen takes pole from Leclerc
Follow live text updates and listen to BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra commentary of sprint qualifying at the Miami Grand Prix.BBC News - Top stories -
F1’s breakout Netflix star Guenther Steiner enjoying life after Haas
Despite what has become an acrimonious exit, the trailblazing former team principal is relishing work as a pundit in Miami. Some might consider the presence of the former Haas team principal, Guenther Steiner, at this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix as ...The Guardian - World - Netflix -
Miami Grand Prix qualifying: Alonso out in Q2
Follow live text updates and listen to BBC Radio 5 Sports extra commentary of qualifying for Sunday's Miami Grand Prix.BBC News - Top stories -
Champions Cup: Leinster hold off Saints fightback to reach final - reaction
Reaction after Leinster overcome Northampton Saints in a thrilling semi-final at Croke Park in Dublin.BBC News - Top stories -
Sydney FC defeat Melbourne City in A-League Women grand final – as it happened
Shea Connors settles the grand final in the 69th minuteSydney FC celebrate a record fifth A-League championshipExpect City to line up in something resembling a 4-4-2 with the powerful Hannah Wilkinson the target up front. Sydney are more likely to ...The Guardian - World -
2024 Kentucky Oaks odds, predictions, contenders, horses: Surprising picks by expert who nailed 10 doubles
SportsLine's Jody Demling reveals his 2024 Kentucky Oaks predictions and best betsCBS Sports - Sports
More from The Guardian
-
Hopes of Gaza ceasefire rise as Hamas delegation arrives in Cairo
Egyptian and US mediators report signs of compromise, but many analysts remain pessimistic. Middle East crisis – live updatesHopes of a ceasefire in Gaza rose on Saturday as a Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo to continue indirect talks, with what ...The Guardian - World -
Stunning Labour triumphs in London and West Midlands leave Sunak reeling
Keir Starmer says the prime minister has no option but to call a general election. Rishi Sunak was dealt a series of shattering blows last night as Labour won a knife-edge battle to seize the West Midlands mayoralty from the Conservatives and ...The Guardian - World -
Spain rejects Argentinian claim its PM is causing ‘poverty and death’
Diplomatic spat began when Spanish minister suggested Javier Milei had taken ‘substances’ while campaigning. Spain has denounced comments by Argentina’s presidency that accused the Spanish government of bringing “poverty and death” to its own ...The Guardian - World - Spain -
Ukrainian village of Ocheretyne left in ruins after Russian barrage
Kyiv says Moscow forces have gained ‘foothold’ in area north of Donetsk city after pounding depleted defenders. Putin on our doorstep: Ukrainians watch as the frontline edges closerThe Ukrainian village of Ocheretyne has been battered by fighting, ...The Guardian - World - Ukraine -
Death toll from rains in southern Brazil rises to 57
Hundreds of cities across Rio Grande so Sul hit by floods with 32,000 people displaced and infrastructure destroyed. The death toll from rains in Brazil’s southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul has risen to 57, local authorities said on Saturday ...The Guardian - World - Brazil