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

2 Dec 2025

JOY’s 32nd anniversary and World AIDS Day 2025

TV & Film

For this special Out Takes episode, we headed back in time then back to the future in honour of JOY ...

26 Nov 2025

Wicked: For Good, Coming Back Out Ball Movie, Coming Out for Christmas and Lurker

TV & Film

As is our way at Out Takes, we literally had something for everyone this week! The highly anticipated second film ...

18 Nov 2025

MQFF 2025, He Had It Coming and Eclipse Cinema

TV & Film

For this Out Takes, we welcomed the return of Melbourne’s very own queer film festival with a selection of reviews, ...