Boys on the side
First of all, I think this is the best road movie that we have so far seen in class. It is a very emotional film.
Boys on the side flirt with the possibility of interracial friendship and lesbian love. However, it also skirts the issues of homophobia and racism. For example, it flirts with the interracial friendship by the three main characters in the film- Jane, Holly, and Robin become best friends. Even though, Robin seems to be like from the uptight middle class family, she easily gets along with Jane, who is an African American woman. Their friendships grow so strong that they decide to live together. Also, Jane is a lesbian as well. And yet, Robin is able to make friends with her. The friendship between them are so strong and the bond grows so much, that you start to question their friendship. Therefore, it flirts with the idea of a possible lesbian relationship between them. The film shows the love and affection that they have for each other. However, it never really shows them having this outspoken lesbian relationship.
It skirts away from the issue of homophobia and racism as well. For example, in the court-room, the opponents lawyer questions Jane's sexual preferences. And immediately, she says something to skirt away from that question of homosexual and the judge helps retain it as well. Also, Robin's mom gets shocked when she hears that her daughter lives with an african american lesbian woman. She gets shocked, and sort of questions. But, the topic doesn't last long enough to discuss this issues. It is immediately put aside and the question stops right there.