Watch Reel in the Closet

Reel in the Closet is a poignant look into the hidden lives of LGBTQ+ individuals throughout the 20th century. The documentary, directed by Stu Maddux, explores the stories of those who were unable to publicly express their sexuality due to societal norms and laws. The film utilizes home movies, newsreels, and other archival footage to tell the stories of LGBTQ+ individuals from all over the United States. These clips are interspersed with interviews from LGBTQ+ activists and historians, such as Tom Ammiano and Barbara Gittings. The documentary also showcases personal collections of home movies from individuals who lived secretly as LGBTQ+ in the mid-20th century.

One of the central figures in the film is David Imming, a man who, in the 1970s, began the process of transitioning from female to male. Imming's story is told through his own personal collection of home movies, which show his journey from a young girl to a confident young man. His footage is an intimate look at the difficulties he faced as a transgender person in a time when the concept was largely misunderstood.

The film also explores the important role that home movies played in the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals. These private films often provided a means of expression and connection for those who were unable to be open about their lives. They were a way for people to share their experiences with others who understood what they were going through.

Reel in the Closet also delves into the prevalence of "code language" and other subtle methods of communication that LGBTQ+ individuals used to connect with each other. For example, lesbians in the 1950s used to wear specific types of clothing or accessories as a way of signaling to others that they were gay. The documentary discusses how these forms of communication were essential in a time when being out and proud was not an option for most LGBTQ+ people.

Throughout the film, there is a sense of both hope and sadness. The stories of the people featured in the documentary are often heartbreaking, as many of them were ostracized or even persecuted for their sexual orientation or gender identity. However, there is also a sense of hope as the film shows how far we have come since the 20th century. The visibility of LGBTQ+ individuals has increased dramatically, and many of the struggles faced by those in the past have been addressed through legal and social changes.

Reel in the Closet is an important film for anyone interested in LGBTQ+ history, as it provides a unique look at the lives of those who came before us. It is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, people found ways to connect and express themselves, and that their stories deserve to be remembered and celebrated.

Reel in the Closet is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9.