Out Takes

7 Mar 2016

The Queer Beauty Myth & Body Obsession

Arts, TV & Film

Before he shed 60 pounds to play Peter Quill in Guardians of the Galaxy, Chris Pratt was a chubby larakin in Parks and Recreation. Paul Rudd beefed up for his role in Ant Man. It’s clear that society likes its leading men to look a certain way. One need only look at queer dating apps and gay men’s porn sites to note that Hollywood’s obsession with beautiful men has penetrated queer cinema.

This week we ask how healthy Hollywood’s obsession with beauty is, and look at some of the issues that the bodies we view on screen engender. To aid us in our discussion we chat with Dr Duane Duncan, honorary research fellow at La Trobe University, and Dr Warwick Hosking, senior lecturer in psychology at Victoria University.  We also look at key queer films like Beauty that have confronted body anxieties and beauty in gay culture.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 49:22 — 22.6MB)

Subscribe or Follow Us: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Android | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | Email | Deezer | RSS

13 Jan 2026

Midsumma 2026 – MQFF with Ro Bright, and There’s a story in you: a Queer filmmaking workshop with Louise Lever

TV & Film

With Melbourne’s premiere queer arts and culture festival a.k.a. Midsumma 2026, kicking off on January 18, we dedicated this program ...

6 Jan 2026

‘Heated Rivalry’ plus films we’re looking forward to in 2026

TV & Film

Even though we are at the start of a new year, we wanted to take the time to spotlight a ...

31 Dec 2025

Out Takes 2025 Interview Highlights

TV & Film

With 2025 coming to a close, we thought it would be a good time to revisit some of our favourite ...