Girls on Film: The top 10 lesbian films of all time
by Kaite Welsh
As rumours of a big screen version of The L Word gather apace, we take a look at the (sort-of entirely objective) top ten lesbian films of all time. So put the popcorn in the microwave, curl up on the sofa with your sweetie and enjoy these classic cinematic examples of lezzer love.
1. Lost And Delirious [2008] [DVD] [2001]
Why you should watch it: Long before Marissa Cooper dabbled her toe in Sapphic seas with Olivia Wilde in The O.C, she starred in this coming-of-age dyke classic where Piper Perabo's wild child falls for a closeted good girl at a single-sex boarding school. It may not have the happiest of endings, but for a portrayal of teenage lesbian love and adolescent alienation, it's spot on.
2. Better Than Chocolate [1999] [DVD]
Why you should watch it: "Because it's set in Canada!" my (Canadian) friend Karen exclaimed excitedly when I asked her why she liked it. If that isn't a good enough reason to pop it in your DVD player, try the passionate love affair between drifting artist Kim and bookseller Maggie, whose life is turned upside down when her family pay an unexpected visit. And if you don't get a lump in your throat when straight-laced librarian Frances finally finds love with transgender cabaret singer Judy, you have a heart of stone.
3. The Watermelon Woman [1996] [DVD]
Why you should watch it: Cheryl Dunye's fauxcumentary delves into black lesbian history as well as the complicated relationships of its main characters when the main character embarks on both a research project about an obscure actress and a tumultuous relationship with Guinevere Turner's Diana.
4. Bound [DVD] [1997]
Why you should watch it: Sisters are doing it for themselves in this '90s heist movie, complete with a steamy Sapphic romance between ex-con Corky and gangster's moll Violet. If Jennifer Tilly's voice grates on you, just mute the volume and watch Gina Gershon's muscles ripple.
5. But I'm A Cheerleader [DVD] [1999]
Why you should watch it: This tongue-in-cheek account of the 'ex-gay' movement pokes fun at both the religious right and at the gay scene itself. Clea DuVall stars in all her adorable, floppy-haired glory.
6. All Over Me [1997] [DVD]
Why you should watch it: It features a young Leisha Hailey with pink hair, singing in a punk band and kissing girls. Oh, and there's also a wonderful babydyke heroine in soft butch Claude, who is mired in unrequited love for her best friend until her neighbour is murdered in a homophobic hate crime, forcing her to acknowledge things about herself and her community.
7. Heavenly Creatures [1995] [DVD]
Why you should watch it: The true story of two New Zealand teenage girls whose obsessive love draws them into a fantasy world that ultimately ends in tragedy.
8. Imagine Me And You [DVD] [2006]
Why you should watch it: It's a British rom-com for lesbians. What happens when you meet the woman of your dreams at her wedding? If you're Lena Headey and Piper Perabo, you embark on a journey of self-discovery that's refreshingly angst-free.
9. Itty Bitty Titty Committee [2007] [DVD]
Why you should watch it: Broken-hearted dyke Anna is working as a receptionist for a plastic surgeon when she stumbles across the *ahem* titular activist group. Hijinks, love triangles and exploding phallic objects ensue.
10. Mulholland Drive - Special Edition [DVD] [2001]
Why you should watch it: Because if anyone understands it, they can explain to me what the hell is going on. David Lynch at his mindboggling finest.
Mookychick loves Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered:
- Queer Mutiny
- US gay marriage rights
- Nottingham Pride
- Music: Lesbians on Ecstasy
- Are lesbians expected to confirm to a visual type within the lesbian community?
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Mookychick believes that climbing trees and riding giant turtles is more fun and girly than worrying about make-up. But if you want to worry about make-up instead of turtles? Fine by us. Be you feminist, kitten, punk, emo, indie, goth, witch, vegan, horror junky, intellectual, christian goth, corset queen, geek, unicorn, sea monkey... be you into alternative style, alternative health, spirituality, comics, manga, j-pop, harajuku or jock culture... we will always love you.
Heavenly Creatures
Yeah, yeah, everyone loves Bound
But I'm A Cheerleader
Kaite Welsh is a writer and activist. Her blog, Grandma was a Suffragette, has been quoted by Red magazine. She has writen for The Guardian. She refuses to accept that she has too many books.
