The Night of the Iguana: A Queer Cinema Catchup & Fish Jelly Review

On this week's Queer Cinema Catchup, Joe and Allison are once again joined by the excellent Nick and Joseph of Fish Jelly to delve into another Tennessee Williams' adaptation. This time it's the 1964 film 'The Night of the Iguana' directed by John Huston and starring Richard Burton, Ava Gardner, Deborah Kerr, and Sue Lyon. Together explore the complex themes of desire, spirituality, and salvation and share their thoughts on the performances, particularly praising Ava Gardner and Deborah Kerr, while critiquing some of the casting choices. They also touch on the queer subtext, Tennessee Williams’ broader oeuvre, and how the film compares to other adaptations of his works. Closing thoughts include reflections on what could be improved and the lasting impact of the film.

00:14 Introducing the Movie: The Night of the Iguana

00:45 Plot Summary and Key Characters

02:13 Initial Reactions and Movie Context

04:38 In-depth Analysis and Comparisons

07:03 Character Dynamics and Performances

11:26 Symbolism and Themes

17:03 Production Insights and Behind the Scenes

36:39 Maxine's Jealousy and Misunderstandings

37:22 Hannah's True Motives

38:05 Shannon's Realism and Hustling

38:33 Philosophical Reflections

40:16 Maxine's Confrontation with Miss Judith

40:47 Miss Judith's Obsession with Charlotte

46:19 Hannah's Love Experiences

48:44 The Iguana and Symbolism

52:00 Differences Between the Play and the Movie

54:38 Queer Themes and Interpretations

57:26 Tennessee Williams' Legacy

01:11:49 Behind the Scenes Drama

01:12:39 Dysentery and Filming Anecdotes

01:13:49 Emily Dickinson's Poem and Its Interpretation

01:15:13 Themes of Death and Connection

01:16:33 Reception and Oscar Nominations

01:21:41 Potential for Remakes and Character Analysis

01:29:39 Final Thoughts and Ratings

01:32:08 Upcoming Reviews and Recommendations

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