"But I'm a Cheerleader" is not a great, breakout comedy, but more the kind of movie that might eventually become a regular on the midnight cult circuit. The build-up to the end, including the ending, are just not strong enough. [28], The overall theme of reviews is that it is a heartfelt film with good intentions, but that it is flawed. Keep track of everything you watch; tell your friends. It first appeared in US theaters on July 7, 2000, distributed by Lions Gate Entertainment. [17] As of December 2011[update], its all time box-office ranking for LGBT-related films is 73. She wanted the production and costume design to reflect the themes of the story. “But I’m a Cheerleader” is really making fun of the binary as much as anything else. The sex scene between Megan and Graham was toned down because it was much too explicit and would have caused the movie to receive a "NC-17" rating. FMovies | Watch But I'm a Cheerleader 1999 Online Free on Fmovies.to FMovies is top of free streaming website , where to watch movies online free without registration required. Not feeling qualified to write the script herself, Babbit brought in screenwriter and recent graduate of USC School of Cinematic Arts Brian Wayne Peterson. View production, box office, & company info. The True Directions program involves the campers admitting their homosexuality (step 1), rediscovering their gender identity by performing stereotypically gender-associated tasks (step 2), finding the root of their homosexuality through family therapy (step 3), demystifying the other sex (step 4), and simulating heterosexual intercourse (step 5). In 1950s small town Britain, a doctor develops a relationship with her young patient's mother. It went on to play at several international film festivals including the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras festival and the London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival. Megan is an all-American girl. She's a cheerleader and has a boyfriend, but she doesn't like kissing him very much, and she's pretty tactile with her cheerleader friends, and she only has pictures of girls up in her locker. "[11] Holmlund says that Babbit makes the straight characters less normal and less likable than the gay ones. She's a cheerleader and has a boyfriend, but she doesn't like kissing him very much, and she's pretty tactile with her cheerleader friends, and she only has pictures of girls up in her locker. But I’m A Cheerleader – Arrives on Digital 4K Ultra HD December 8th! She has a boyfriend. Her mom's getting divorced and has invited herself to stay with Maggie. At True Directions, Megan meets the founder, strict disciplinarian Mary Brown, Mary's supposedly heterosexual son Rock,[nb 1] and a group of young people trying to "cure" themselves of their homosexuality. [5], Gender roles are further reinforced by the tasks the campers have to perform in "Step 2: Rediscovering Your Gender Identity." The film premiered on September 12, 1999, at the Toronto International Film Festival and was screened in January 2000 at the Sundance Film Festival. [40] AfterEllen.com (which covers the feminist "lesbian/bi pop culture beat"[41]) has called it "one of the five best lesbian movies ever made. Babbit says that she felt discriminated against for making a gay film. By: Travis Homenuk. "[42] That site had originally called the movie's story predictable and the characters stereotypical in its initial 2007 review, with the reviewer saying the film was, overall, funny and enjoyable. Megan and Graham sneak away one night to have sex and begin to fall in love. Quotes . Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? [43] Jan Stuart, writing for The Advocate, said that although the film tries to subvert gay stereotypes, it is unsuccessful. I’m honestly quite surprised how paper thin this film is, in multiple ways. Oscars Best Picture Winners Best Picture Winners Golden Globes Emmys STARmeter Awards San Diego Comic-Con New York Comic-Con Sundance Film Festival Toronto Int'l Film Festival Awards Central Festival Central All Events Use the HTML below. [4], Babbit, whose mother runs a halfway house called New Directions for young people with drug and alcohol problems, had wanted to make a comedy about rehabilitation and the 12-step program. But I'm a Cheerleader Synopsis: Megan is an all-American girl. She is made to leave True Directions and, now homeless, goes to stay with Larry and Lloyd. [30] Babbit says that although Waters is one of her influences, she did not want her film to have the "bite" of his. She's a cheerleader and has a boyfriend, but she doesn't like kissing him very much, and she's pretty tactile with her cheerleader friends, and she only has pictures of girls up in her locker. But I'm a Cheerleader deserves credit for originality; it's a comedy about a gay-conversion camp. She does not enjoy kissing Jared, however, and prefers looking at her fellow cheerleaders. A Chinese-American lesbian and her traditionalist mother are reluctant to go public with secret loves that clash against cultural expectations. There, Megan soon comes to embrace her sexual orientation, despite the therapy, and falls in love. "[8] Babbit wanted the film to represent the lesbian experience from the femme perspective to contrast with several films of the time that represented the butch perspective (for example, Go Fish and The Watermelon Woman). But I'm a Cheerleader is a 1999 romantic comedy film about a high-school cheerleader, Megan, who is sent to reparative therapy camp when her parents suspect that she is gay. Maggie, 19, works at a lesbian/LGBT bookstore. [48], In April 2018, Babbit announced on Twitter that a But I'm a Cheerleader television series was in development with Starz. [49], San Francisco International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, Créteil International Women's Film Festival, "So Many Battles to Fight — Interview with Jamie Babbit", "Rah Rah Rah: Director Jamie Babbit and Company Root for But I'm a Cheerleader", "Ladies' Man: An Interview with Superdiva RuPaul", "Lion's Gate acquires Jamie Babbit's "But I'm A Cheerleader, "New York Lesbian And Gay Film Festival -- 1–11 June", "Don't Worry. [25][26], Initial mainstream critical response to But I'm a Cheerleader was mostly negative. Listen to trailer music, OST, original score, and the full list of popular songs in the film. But I'm a Cheerleader often leans too hard on stereotypes in reaching for its laughs, but Lyonne and DuVall, who plays the tomboy Lyonne falls for, give nervy, on-target performances. [21], In honor of the film's 20th anniversary, the director's cut of But I'm a Cheerleader was released on December 8, 2020, via video on demand. Will Megan be turned around to successful heterosexuality, or will she succumb to her love for the beautiful Graham? She has a boyfriend. Early on in her stay at True Directions, Megan discovers two of the boys, Dolph and Clayton, making out. But Megan doesn't like kissing her boyfriend very much. Maggie hasn't told her, she's lesbian. [5] She had seen and enjoyed Babbit's short Sleeping Beauties and was eager to work with the director. Rated R for strong language and sexual content involving teens, Words on Bathroom Walls & The Best Movie High School Love Stories, A Celebration of LGBTQ+ Stories On Screen Watchlist, What to Watch: LGBTQ+ Titles Available to Stream on IMDb TV. The idea behind But I'm A Cheerleader is hilarious - until you learn just how close to reality it is. [16] The film was rated as M (for mature audiences 15 and older) in Australia and in New Zealand, 14A in Canada, 12 in Germany and 15 in the United Kingdom. 46 of 57 people found this review helpful. She went on to direct the 2005 thriller The Quiet and the 2007 comedy Itty Bitty Titty Committee. [11] Sullivan says that the film not only highlights the ways in which gender and sexuality are constructed but also takes the norms and truths about heteronormative society and renders them strange or "queer. [11] One of the ways in which Babbit highlighted what she called the artificiality of gender construction was by using intense blues and pinks in her production and costume design. In 2005 the New York Musical Theatre Festival featured a musical stage adaptation of But I'm a Cheerleader written by librettist and lyricist Bill Augustin and composer Andrew Abrams. It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years since But I’m a Cheerleader was released in theaters. Nikki Sullivan in A Critical Introduction to Queer Theory says that this rediscovery is shown to be difficult and unsuccessful rather than the natural discovery of their latent heterosexuality. But I'm a Cheerleader was Babbit's first feature film. Our editors have rounded up their most anticipated horror movies of the year. A promising comedy that goes awry all too early, But I'm a Cheerleader concerns a misunderstood high school kid (Natasha Lyonne) whose parents send her to a harsh, homosexual-rehabilitation camp despite a lack of evidence that she's gay. I sadly can’t agree with the praise, even if I’m glad that movies like But I’m a Cheerleader exist. Will Megan be turned around to successful heterosexuality, or will she succumb to her love for the beautiful Graham? [7] [7] The external shots of the colorful house complete with a bright pink picket fence were filmed in Palmdale, California. The site's consensus reads: "Too broad to make any real statements, But I'm a Cheerleader isn't as sharp as it should be, but a charming cast and surprisingly emotional center may bring enough pep for viewers looking for a light social satire". [13] Babbit was interviewed by Kirby Dick for his 2006 documentary film This Film Is Not Yet Rated. When it was initially rated as NC-17 by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), Babbit made cuts to allow it to be re-rated as R. When interviewed in the documentary film This Film Is Not Yet Rated Babbit criticized the MPAA for discriminating against films with gay content. [7][29], Stephanie Zacharek, writing for Salon.com said that with regard to issues of sexual orientation and homophobia, Babbit is preaching to the converted. In addition to the trailer, it features an interview with Jamie Babbit and behind the scenes footage. [10], But I'm a Cheerleader is not only about sexuality, but also gender and the social construction of gender roles. [7] They wanted the main character to be a cheerleader because it is "... the pinnacle of the American dream, and the American dream of femininity. But the garishly-colored costumes of the 1950's "Father Knows Best" and "Leave It To Beaver" style are as incongruous as the fake role-playing. It’s ridiculous to say that just because you become more feminine means you’re going to be less gay. [47] RuPaul contributed one track, "Party Train", which Eddie Cibrian's character, Rock, is shown dancing to. The final scene of the film shows Megan's parents attending a PFLAG meeting to come to terms with their daughter's homosexuality. 99 likes. With the prompting of Mary and the other campers, Megan reluctantly agrees that she is a lesbian (step 1 of the five-step program). Megan and Dolph, who is also living with Larry and Lloyd, plan to win back Graham and Clayton. The soundtrack has never been released on CD. They drive off with Dolph and Clayton. When originally submitted to the Motion Picture Association of America rating board, But I'm a Cheerleader received an NC-17 rating. [36] Mitchell called their love scenes "tender. The film … Martin Lewison . [17], The film was released on Region 1 DVD by Lions Gate on July 22, 2002 and by Universal Studios on October 3, 2002. (1999). [23], The film was a hit with festival audiences and received standing ovations at the San Francisco International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival. But I'm a Cheerleader is a 1999 American satirical romantic comedy film directed by Jamie Babbit and written by Brian Wayne Peterson. But I'm a Cheerleader But I'm a Cheerleader Soundtrack Music - Complete Song List | Tunefind She initially considered Arsenio Hall for the character of Mike but says that Hall was uncomfortable about playing a gay-themed role. But I’m a Cheerleader: A Brief Textual Analysis. But I'm A Cheerleader: The Musical. In the end, at least some of the young victims of this cruelty escape to face a life of being themselves. An adventurous love story between two young women of different social and economic backgrounds who find themselves going through all the typical struggles of a new romance. [5], Babbit recruited Clea DuVall, who had starred in her short film Sleeping Beauties, to play the role of Graham Eaton. Plaid-skirted schoolgirls are groomed by a secret government agency to become the newest members of the elite national-defense group, D.E.B.S. Graham, afraid to defy her father, remains at the camp. But I'm a Cheerleader (1,425) 6.7 1 h 25 min 2000 R. A naive teenager is sent to rehab camp when her straitlaced parents and friends suspect her of being a lesbian. Here are the movies we're most excited for in 2021. After starting at an upmarket boarding school, a teenage girl forms close friendships with her two older roommates. This film is a biting and hilarious parody of people who not only force themselves into artificial molds but also feel the to make other people fit the same stereotypical molds. "[37] David Edelstein said that the one sidedness of the film creates a lack of dramatic tension and calls it lazy counterpropaganda. Dolph is made to leave and Clayton is punished by being forced into isolation. A Comedy Of Sexual Disorientation. And they definitely shouldn't be gay. "[33] Alexandra Mendenhall, writing for AfterEllen.com felt that the relationship between Graham and Megan, having great chemistry, does not get enough screen time. [7][18] It closed after eight weeks, with its widest release having been 115 theaters. The film has since garnered a cult following. Her parents and friends conclude that she *must* be gay and send her off to "sexual redirection" school, full of admittedly homosexual misfits, where she can learn how to be straight. Artists featured include indie acts Saint Etienne, Dressy Bessy and April March. When Mary discovers the trip, she makes them all picket Larry and Lloyd's house, carrying placards and shouting homophobic abuse. [3][4] According to Babbit, their one-sentence pitch was "Two high-school girls fall in love at a reparative therapy camp. The True Directions kids are encouraged to rebel against Mary by two of her former students, ex-ex-gays Larry and Lloyd, who take the campers to a local gay bar where Graham and Megan's relationship develops into a romance. [29][30][31] Some reviewers found it funny and enjoyable with "genuine laughs". Learn how your comment data is processed. Movie Story : … While there, she admits the homosexuality that everyone but her had apparently seen, and falls in love with another of the True Directions members, Graham. In order to get a commercially viable R rating, Babbit removed a two-second shot of Graham's hand sweeping Megan's clothed body, a camera pan up Megan's body when she is masturbating, and a comment that Megan "ate Graham out" (slang for cunnilingus). Babbit says that she was able to get a lot of the cast through DuVall, including Natasha Lyonne and Melanie Lynskey. [3] She had previously directed two short films, Frog Crossing (1996) and Sleeping Beauties (1999), both of which were shown at the Sundance Film Festival. You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. [38] In contrast, LaSalle said that "the picture manages to make a heartfelt statement about the difficulties of growing up gay" and Timothy Shary said that the film openly challenges homophobia and offers support to teenaged gay viewers. 1999 Directed by Jamie Babbit. Find all 14 songs in But I'm a Cheerleader Soundtrack, with scene descriptions. She called it "numbingly crude" and said that the kitsch portrait of Middle America is out of touch with today's gay teenagers. A cheerleader. Megan then performs a cheer for Graham and tells her that she loves her, finally winning Graham over. [5] After reading an article about a man who had returned from a reparative therapy camp hating himself, she decided to combine the two ideas. It played during September 2005 at New York's Theatre at St. And she's pretty touchy with her cheerleader friends. Following this confrontation, Megan is sent to True Directions, a reparative therapy camp which uses a five-step program (similar to Alcoholics Anonymous' twelve-step program) to convert its campers to heterosexuality. Pat Irwin composed the score for But I'm a Cheerleader. But Megan doesn't like kissing her boyfriend very much. [32][33] Roger Ebert rated it three stars (of four) and wrote, it "is not a great, breakout comedy, but more the kind of movie that might eventually become a regular on the midnight cult circuit. When Mary finds out, Megan, now at ease with her sexual identity, is unrepentant. An original punk musical based on the '90s cult queer film "But I'm A Cheerleader" March 23 + 24 in the Glicker-Milstein Theater at Barnard College @7pm But I'm a Cheerleader is a smug little comedy that tries to mock other people's self-righteousness while ignoring its own. The story has an interesting premise, but it just doesn’t do much with it. But I'm a Cheerleader is a 1999 American satirical romantic comedy film directed by Jamie Babbit, which was first released at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 12, 1999 and theatrically by Lionsgate Films on July 7, 2000. "[5] Burns gave them an initial budget of US$500,000 which was increased to US$1 million when the film went into production. Like the recommendations for But I'm A Cheerleader? [4] She also wanted to satirize both the religious right and the gay community. This fact, at odds with her traditional, religious upbringing, distresses her and she puts every effort into becoming heterosexual. Chapter Headings, a semi - official version: There was a much more longer version of Megan masturbating. We let you watch movies online without having to register or … But I'm a Cheerleader (2000) Soundtrack 7 Jul 2000. A naive teenager is sent to rehab camp when her straitlaced parents and friends suspect her of being a lesbian. In 1993, a teenage girl is forced into a gay conversion therapy center by her conservative guardians. With the help of ex-gay Mike, they surprise her with an intervention. Her new girlfriend moves in as well. In its opening weekend, showing at four theaters, it earned $60,410 which was 2.7% of its total gross. The daughter of a man on death row falls in love with a woman on the opposing side of her family's political cause. Natasha Lyonne stars as Megan Bloomfield, a high school cheerleader whose parents send her to a residential inpatient conversion therapy camp to cure her lesbianism. Many critics did not like the film, comparing it unfavorably with the films of John Waters and criticizing the colorful production design. But I'm a Cheerleader is a 1999 comedy (although it wasn't theatrically released until 2000) lampooning the idea of homosexual reform camps with the story of Megan, a God-fearing cheerleader who has never paid her homosexual tendencies any thought until being sent to the True Directions camp. "[30] Others found it obvious, leaden, and heavy handed. [44], The film won the Audience Award and the Graine de Cinéphage Award at the 2000 Créteil International Women's Film Festival, an annual French festival which showcases the work of female directors. [12] Sullivan says that this challenge of heteronormativity makes But I'm a Cheerleader an exemplification of queer theory.[11]. In 1976, a lower-middle-class teenager struggles to cope living with her neurotic family of nomads on the outskirts of Beverly Hills. Pink Outfits Will Straighten Her Out", "The 100 Best Lesbian Movies Of All Time", "Sapphic Cinema: "But I'm a Cheerleader" – AfterEllen", "But I'm a Cheerleader-- Jamie Babbit Wins Créteil Films de Femmes 'Prix du Public, "Political Film Society — Previous Award Winners", "Soundtrack Details: But I'm a Cheerleader", "But I'm a Cheerleader to Debut at NYMF With Chandra Lee Schwartz, Kelly Karbacz, Natalie Joy Johnson, John Hill and More", "I'm developing BUT IM A CHEERLEADER the tv series with Starz now so fingers crossed. , Brandt Wille theatrical trailer, it features an interview with Jamie and... While ignoring its own eager to work with the films of John Waters does not kissing... 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