From Roman emperors to rowdy cowboys, Hollywood’s depiction of masculinity has always been, well, pretty gay
Olivier, as an aspiring Roman emperor, orders his slave (played by Curtis) to bathe him, then asks about his taste for oysters and snails — i.e., his intimate preferences — before declaring that he likes both.
Cut from the 1960 release of Spartacus over obscenity objections, the scene was restored in 1991. And just like that, a would-be ruler of the highest order was bi again.Hollywood has been masculinity myth-making since it first set images to film.
The tradition stretches all the way back to the silent era: Men should be straight, of course, virile, courageous, and willing to sacrifice for honor and love, preferably while maintaining their cool.
Bonus if they look hot in a loincloth, a wide-brimmed hat, or any uniform that says, “Trust me with the fate of civilization.”But queer people have been integral to stories about masculinity dating all the way back to ancient times. (We’re looking at you, Achilles and Patroclus.) And Hollywood has always been flush with queer artists, both behind and in front of the camera, telling stories that have simmered with subliminal same-sex desire, particularly between men who are meant to represent masculine ideals.
