I first saw "But I'm a Cheerleader" while sitting tensely in an older girl's room at the age of eighteen. Despite my awkwardness, the hilarity of the movie soon drew me in and carried me away. Since then I have watched it twice more and each time I laugh, I cry, and find something new about it to love.
Perhaps it's because the writer, Brian Wayne Peterson, is gay or because the director, Jamie Babbit, is a lesbian that this movie unlike so many others highlights gay rights issues while still being relatable. They manage to show the disturbing nature of gay conversion therapy in an over the top yet light way that allows you to laugh. The five step program of the "True Directions" camp where Megan, played by actual lesbian Natasha Lyonne, is sent by her friends and family is comically stereotypical. It's blatantly obvious that the camp was designed by Mary J. Brown, played by Cathy Moriarty, to perpetuate her lifelong mission to "fix" her gay son Rock, played by Eddie Cibrian.
Not only is the plot well developed but the acting is superb as well. In a movie like this, when the actors are supposed to overact, it's easy to have some actors give too much and others too little. But this is a cast of born stars, and with half of them being gay themselves, they know how to deliver the material. It's great to watch Graham, played by lesbian Clea DuVall, take clueless Megan under her wing and show her how to love herself... and other women. We even get a few chemistry lessons from some of the other actors as well. Don't worry kids, this is one class that won't bore you.
I wouldn't want to forget the set, cinematography and soundtrack either. Together, they create a modern day town stuck in the past. The cringe worthy gender stereotypes that the teens have to endure at the camp are magnified by the segregation of pink and blue in dress and set. Even camp leader Mike, played by none other than RuPaul, is overtly gay but wears an all blue track suit that reads "Straight is Great." When paired with poppy sixties style music it helps us to appreciate the surreal nature of the "safe haven" Mary has created, not for the kids but for herself.
Overall, I was blown away with this movie and to this day my only gripe with it is that I wish someone had told Graham to wash her hair. Even still, it is my number one favorite LGBT movie thus far. Obviously, it gets five stars from me, but I would like to know what you think. Watch it today and leave a comment below.
