Out Takes

6 Aug 2016

Out Takes’ take on Looking and Ab’ Fab’

Arts, TV & Film

This week on Out Takes we’re absolutely fabulous and looking for closure as we celebrate two of this year’s most anticipated queer films: LOOKING: THE MOVIE and ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS: THE MOVIE. Both much loved TV series, adapted to the big screen.

In its short time on HBO, LOOKING divided audiences: some celebrated its slice-of-life representation of three gay men looking for fulfilment in San Fransiscos’ gritty gay scene. Others called it milquetoast, and derided the series for failing to represent a broader cross section of the LGBTIQ community.

We take a look at some of the criticisms levelled at the series, and ask what it was about the series that divided audiences so deeply. We also make no secret of how much we like Andrew Haigh’s authentic portrayal of modern gay life and how bittersweet we found Haigh’s final Looking chapter.

Next, we take a look at the fervour surrounding the theatrical release of ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS: THE MOVIE. Since premiering on British screens nearly 25 years ago, Ab Fab has maintained almost canonical status within the gay psyche. But why? We unpack what it is about the series that makes gay men go gaga, and ask whether or not its filmic adaptation holds as a stand-alone movie.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 53:56 — 24.7MB)

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