As a gay gamer and film enthusiast, I can’t help but feel deeply connected to Greg Berlanti‘s work, especially his groundbreaking film “Love, Simon.” Growing up queer in a world where representation was scarce, I longed for stories that resonated with me. And when I finally watched “Love, Simon” several years ago, it felt like a breath of fresh air.
Expert: Greg Berlanti, a seasoned professional in Hollywood with an impressive resume of movies and TV shows under his belt, has recently released his latest production, “Fly Me To The Moon,” which has been well-received by critics. As a versatile creator who wears the hats of director, producer, and writer, Berlanti’s body of work spans both big and small screens. Among his notable projects is the critically acclaimed LGBTQ+ young adult film, “Love, Simon,” which continues to hold a special place in his heart years after its release.
At The CW, Greg Berlanti is a significant player with an extensive television portfolio. When “Love, Simon” hit theaters in 2018, it marked his third studio film production. This heartwarming rom-com, which tells the story of a closeted high school student who falls in love with another boy through anonymous emails, is considered one of the best in its genre and is based on Becky Albertalli’s novel. In an interview with Deadline, Berlanti shared why he chose to pause his television work for this project:
Around fifteen shows were a part of my past, but I don’t keep track because it’s the people involved that matter most to me. Sometimes, even when projects are canceled, they continue to exist in my mind. I hold on to them, maintaining faith they will come to fruition. However, Love, Simon stands out. It takes me back to my time at the video store in my hometown. I used to meticulously arrange movies based on their appropriate shelves. Love, Simon was that movie which didn’t fit and deserved a place amongst them. With great determination, I pursued this project with the intention of expanding the John Hughes-esque teen film genre – filled with nostalgia, longing, and timelessness.
Greg Berlanti, a gay filmmaker, reflects on the lack of queer coming-of-age films during his youth. In an interview, he highlights the significance of the 2018 film’s focus on a central character who hadn’t previously held such a prominent role in cinema.
One of the most delightful aspects of producing the film seemed to be the public’s positive reaction upon its release. There was an outpouring of support, with notable figures from the LGBTQ+ community even purchasing entire theaters to allow people free access to the movie. For the former Arrowverse producer, seeing the film in cinemas was a significant achievement amidst the surge of streaming platforms.
As a gamer and storyteller, I can’t help but reminisce about the powerful experience of seeing a gay love scene in a theatrical movie back then. It was exhilarating to witness audiences clap and cheer just as they would for any other passionate moment on screen. This raw connection resonated deeply with me, and I’ve heard countless stories from young people who came out to their families after watching that film or even during its screening. Realizing the impact of my work on individuals’ lives was an incredibly rewarding feeling.
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Growing up as a queer teen in high school, I related deeply to many parts of “Love, Simon.” My affection for both coming-of-age films and romantic comedies ran deep, and I’ve consistently sought out LGBTQ+ representation in media, particularly in visual storytelling. Historically, this representation has been scarce. “Love, Simon” brought a much-needed revival to the genre. In my opinion, the producer of “My Policeman” successfully crafted a contemporary John Hughes-style romance tailored for LGBTQ+ youth yearning for such narratives.
As a huge fan of “Simon vs. The Homosapien Agenda,” I’m thrilled to see the film’s lasting impact. Hulu even produced a spinoff titled “Love, Victor” which is a must-watch. Although Greg Berlanti wasn’t involved this time, Nick Robinson brilliantly reprised his role as Simon in some episodes. Becky Albertalli expanded the storyline with additional books set in Simon’s world, and I can only imagine how exciting it would be if Berlanti returned to Creekwood High to adapt “Leah On The Offbeat” – a heartwarming sapphic romance between two of Simon’s friends.
It’s uncertain if Greg Berlanti will create more films based in his fictional universe. Currently, he’s occupied with other projects, like a follow-up to the 2023 LGBTQ+ romantic comedy “Red, White & Royal Blue” which he produced. Yet, it’s heartwarming that he remains fond of “Love, Simon,” and fans delight in expressing how much the film has influenced them.
As a passionate fan of “Love, Simon” and always craving more representation in media, I highly recommend checking out this heartwarming film if you’re considering a rewatch or first-time view. You can easily rent or buy it on various digital platforms. Additionally, for those of us who are constantly on the lookout for fresh queer content, I strongly suggest exploring Rotten Tomatoes’ list of the best LGBTQ+ movies. Enjoy your movie marathon!
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2024-07-15 02:37