When we think about the representation of sexuality in film, we often default to the blockbuster era of Hollywood. From the swinging ‘70s to the aughts, the golden era of cinema seems to have been saturated with sex appeal. While there’s no denying that the art of seduction has been a central tenet of many of these films, the explosion of platforms and content that we have available to us today allows us to explore the topic in a whole new way.
The Evolution of Erotica On-screen
When it comes to the evolution of cinema and the topic of sex, a good place to start is with the original version of How to Marry a Millionaire, a 1922 comedy directed by Clarence Brown and starring Harold Lloyd. While the premise and setting of the film might seem antiquated, the dialogue and performances are as contemporary as they are timely, featuring plenty of innuendos and double entendres.
Lloyd’s character Philo is on a quest to win the hand of wealthy socialite Mabel (Mollie Gallagher), who thinks he’s poor but loves his charm and wit. He pretends to be a chauffeur, and tags along as part of her entourage to help her pick out the perfect gift. Along the way, Philo has to fend off her other suitors, played by Charlie Chaplin, Roscoe ‘Fatty’ Arbuckle, and Buster Keaton, who are all after the same prize. What will Mabel choose for her special someone? A diamond ring, of course!
It seems that Lloyd’s character was ahead of his time, as the dialogue and satire are remarkably prescient, given the historical context of the era, not to mention the way technology has evolved to augment human performance and communication.
The Evolution of Sex Appeal In Cinema
While Lloyd was ahead of his time, other actors were keen to follow his lead, especially during the silent screen era. The beautiful Katharine Hepburn is often credited with making the most of her voluptuous figure and demonstrating a ‘sense of respectability’ that wasn’t typically associated with women in films at the time. In 1924’s The Girl from A to Z, Hepburn plays opposite Buster Keaton and a bunny rabbit, which she named War Horse, seemingly seducing the audience with her charm and comedic timing.
The next year saw the release of Hepburn’s other notable feat of sexual engineering, The Sun Also Rises, in which she embodies a strong, independent woman who chooses masculine attire in order to attract the attention of a series of men, most notably Gary Cooper. Hepburn was known to regularly workout, memorize lines, and change her hair and makeup multiple times a day, all in order to make the most of her body and ensure that she looked flawless on-screen.
While much has changed, especially with regards to how women are portrayed in film, the desire to engineer a beautiful, functional, and engaging sexual performance appears to have endured. Perhaps this is because, as the industry has shifted to catering to audiences on- and offline, users want to consume content that feels real and intimate.
Where Does This Leave Robert Pattinson?
As we’ve established, the desire to create realistic and fulfilling intimate experiences appears to have motivated the likes of Harold Lloyd and Katharine Hepburn, as well as countless other leading ladies, to achieve what they could on-screen. Does this mean that modern day performers, such as Robert Pattinson, are driven by the same impulses?
Pattinson is one of the most in-demand and visible actors of our time. Alongside his on-screen work, he is also known to have starred in numerous high-profile films, including the Twilight series and the most recent installment of the Kingsman franchise, The Golden Circle. He is arguably best-known for playing the role of Edward Cullen in the Twilight saga. This iconic and instantly recognisable character is often depicted in a less than flattering light, with critics and fans alike frequently labelling him as ‘blah’, ‘boring’, and ‘average’. Although the Twilight franchise has not been without its successes, the overwhelming majority of critical reception has been decidedly negative.
Given the enduring appeal of the vampire mythos, it is perhaps not surprising that Edward’s polar opposite, the charming and witty vampire Lestat, has received the most praise. Critics have hailed his portrayals as a ‘masterclass in sex appeal’ and a ‘breath of fresh air’ compared to Edward’s more stoic and reserved performances. Lestat’s self-assured sexuality is what initially drew fans to his story in the first place, and it is this aspect of his character that has been most consistently praised and emulated by other actors, regardless of whether they have played vampires or not.
What exactly does all this mean for Robert Pattinson’s sexuality?
Is Technology Making Producers Less Interested In Casting Actors According To Gender?
From a fan’s perspective, it would seem that the industry has shifted in favour of actors who appeal to a wider audience, regardless of their gender. While we might argue that this move is a reflection of social and cultural change, it is also fuelled by technological advancement, with individuals increasingly seeking intimacy and connection online, whether that is through relationships or just by being near or with someone they love.
What this means for heterosexual relationships is that couples may find it easier to have a relationship without feeling restricted by traditional mores and social taboos. This could lead to a desire for more open and honest communication, even when relating to matters that are generally considered ‘personal’.
Why Does Edward’s Nature Make Him Seem More ‘Real’ Than Loretta’s Artificiality?
Speaking of which, is it really fair to compare and contrast the characters of Edward and Loretta? After all, there is a reason why they are respectively known as the ‘boring’ and ‘cool’ vampires. Aside from the fact that Edward is generally considered to be far less interesting and appealing than Loretta, who is played by Kirsten Stewart, one of the main differences between the two vampires is their approach to sex. We can assume that Stewart’s character is mechanical, as she is a vampire, but even her most devoted fans might say that she is less than desirable, certainly not a beautiful or elegant woman.
Whereas Loretta is portrayed as cold and calculating, Edward is more of a ‘blue-eyed soul’ and a ‘gentleman’s gentleman’, disarming characters who, despite their vampirism, are still largely driven by their moralities and niceties. For example, in Twilight, Edward is reluctant to bite and kill humans, not because he has any compunctions against doing so but because he does not wish to hurt or offend. A gentleman in every way, Edward’s chivalry, kindness, and protectiveness make him an alluring character who has been admired and emulated by other actors, regardless of their gender.
The Appeal Of A Romantic Hero
While it is fair to say that the majority of fans and audiences have not taken issue with Edward’s character or felt that he has not been represented fairly by Hollywood, others have felt otherwise. Some fans have found that, while they appreciate the actor’s performance and efforts, they do not find him to be completely ‘believable’ or the ‘typical’ romantic lead.
While we might assume that Hollywood is largely to blame for the discrepancy, fans and critics alike have pointed to the novel on which the franchise is based, The Twilight Saga, as well as the relatively recent trend of ‘romantic suspense’ and similar thrillers that often feature heterosexual couples falling in love while being pursued by male antagonists.
Does this mean that heterosexual couples will find that their desire to be in a relationship is heightened, whether that is with a member of the same or opposite sex, or is it just that the industry is reflecting the audience’s desire for escapism and entertainment?
Will Social Media Reverberate In Changing Opinions On-screen?
While it might be too early to tell what impact, if any, the pandora’s box of social media has opened on the topic of cinema and sex, it is clear that it has changed the game. While it is generally accepted that social media has made individuals more vocal and opinionated, specifically when it comes to matters that are considered ‘political’ or ‘social’, it is also true that it has made ‘tastes’ more prominent, especially when it comes to entertainment and art.