BATH BOMB: Queer Representation in Giallo Cinema

Support Bath Bomb here: igg.me/at/bathbombhorror/x/18...
Giallo has a bit of a troubled relationship with the queer community. On one hand, many of the subgenre’s flamboyant aesthetic trends have had a huge influence on queer cinema. On the other hand, the subgenre’s treatment of queer characters has garnered heated criticism from academics, critics, and the queer community at large.
Given that the majority of Giallo films were made in the late 60s and early 70s, they actually had an unusually large amount of queer characters. However, the way these characters were presented was pretty troublesome. In particular, queer men.
Queer men were typically given little to no narrative license. At best, they were relegated to comedic relief, serving as an effeminate counterpart to the heterosexual male protagonist, and eventually killed off. At worst, they were cast as the killer, or red herring suspect, often with a not-so-subtle subtext of pedophilia.
Our aim is to turn this history on its head. Bath Bomb features queer men acting with agency in their own narrative, while sending up common queer stereotypes in a playful, tongue-in-cheek manner.

[@djinnmaster3372]

Quiero que continúen con secuelas del éxito de su fan film: "Never Hike Alone" 🙏🙏

[@jackdennis4558]

Hey thanks for this, about damn time, you've got a subscriber.

[@WompStompFilms]

Thank you for the kind words. If you are interested, there is still a small window to get your name in the credits of BATH BOMB! Either way, check out our campaign so you can learn more about the project! www.indiegogo.com/projects/bath-bomb/x/18000311#/

[@scottiecorley4954]

Thank you for the representation and discussion. ❤ 🌈

[@kimberlyterasaki4843]

Don’t know why the comments are being so negative; I think this is fascinating and really concise

[@m136a1]

My interest in Bath Bomb, and maybe this makes me a prick, is that I want to see something with queer characters that doesn't treat them as though being queer is their only defining feature. Hollywood tends to treat queer characters as though The Queer Thing is the only thing about them that matters, but Hollywood does that with almost every demographic. It's shallow story telling and it bores the Hell out of me. It's honestly to the point that with certain parts I'm convinced that the actors have been told to play it more gay to the point that they end up looking and sounding like a cartoon. As a consumer I find that childish and insulting. Dear Hollywood, Why can't Queer characters be 3 dimensional with relatable human issues and concerns other than simply being queer? I'm supporting Bath Bomb because the team behind it are looking to tell a better tale.

[@Joshlee133]

Hellbent characters have individual personalities separating them

[@guyverxx]

😒

[@Podcastforthewin]

Yup

[@WompStompFilms]

It's just an educational video. We all know old films follow outdated tropes. Doesn't mean we still don't love them. This video offers a perspective from our directors point of view and what is inspiring him. It's not to cast shade, but rather say his approach is about a good story that doesn't cast queer characters to the side. Queer characters can lead a giallo, or any film, without it talking down on its audience. This isn't Velma. lol This isn't about playing up a narrative, the goal is to deliver strong storytelling and cinematic execution with queer character on center stage. We hope fans come together on this one and trust that we wouldn't back this film if it wasn't going to deliver something that will make fans gasp, laugh, and cheer.

[@Podcastforthewin]

@@WompStompFilms nothing but respect for all people. But with that said, it’s pandering at this point. Nobody really gives a shit anymore.

[@WompStompFilms]

Some people do, some people don't. Colin is trying to appeal the the queer horror community for support, which there are a lot queer horror fans. That specific demographic may be very into this topic and approach. The same way we approach Friday the 13th fans. Just because you don't find it appealing, doesn't mean another person won't. There are 3-4 other videos that focus on the other aspects of why we are making these films, not just to pander.

[@markogarcia2518]

@@WompStompFilms I was feeling there might’ve been pandering at first ngl lol but I’ve read and rewatched what you had to say and in that context, I’m with you wholeheartedly. Just tired of the pandering, doing lgbt a disservice