Rock Hudson was the ultimate mid-century movie star, grabbing attention and breaking hearts when the camera shone a light on his chiseled face and rugged bones. His gay double life and his AIDS-related death in 1985 at the age of 59 have left him deeply engrained in Hollywood legend, but to a new generation of moviegoers, Little known.
He told Steven Kijak, director of the documentary Rock Hudson: All Heaven Allows. premiere Sunday’s Tribeca Festival (And will stream on Max on June 28.) The actor was a compelling figure to explore, both as a quintessential mid-century movie star and as a gay icon.
Mr. Kijak has directed several LGBTQ-themed filmsrecently moved from his home in Los Angeles to lead a mostly publicly gay life, and as one of the first (if not the first) celebrities to act truly openly, the legacy of a movie star and its enduring Talked about attraction. Publicizing his illness changed the course of the world’s response to the AIDS epidemic. Conversation has been condensed and edited for clarity.
What was it about Rock Hudson that drew you to this film?
This film emerged at just the right time from a group of people I love working with who brought me a subject that fascinated me. I didn’t know much about Rock Hudson, but I love being there. That journey of discovery is built into my process so I can take the viewer with me. Originally titled “The Accidental Activist”, it was 100% accurate but a bit limited. It’s also an interesting element of his story, but I thought there was a bigger story there. People who never intended to change anything, but who unintentionally become cultural, political, and social catalysts in a way. Most people completely forget.
How did the title “Accidental Activist” change to “As Heaven Permits”?
Throughout the AIDS crisis, there have been many more who have become real activists for real change through strong and direct action. I thought “activist” or even “coincidence” might be a little rich. His stories include Hollywood closets, made-up personalities, double lives, and private scenes that strangely exist beneath the manicured façade. He had such a wonderful, rampaging, violent gay sex life in front of everyone, seemingly unconcerned. Oh, I didn’t have the fear of coming out gay. I think it was a generation that didn’t see that as an option or even wanted it.
What do you think people unfamiliar with Rock Hudson will take from this movie?
he’s gone Who is his 50s celebrity that everyone knows?Marilyn Monroe. James Dean. If anything, he’s probably remembered for his death from AIDS in the ’80s and the scandal. Kissing Linda Evans on “Dynasty” when he was sick. Also, artificial stars are not a completely foreign concept to us today. He’s a thoroughly classic mid-century figure in his upbringing, trajectory, looks, style, and movies he’s made. Who doesn’t like talking about doppelgangers? Mirror room, dual personality, hidden life. There is always the question, “Why would young people be interested in this?” It wasn’t that long ago that being gay was really hard. In public, your life will be ruined. You were always afraid of being discovered.
Is there a sense of how the film can hold in this moment something it might not have held in the past?
Some people don’t know a certain theme, some people know it. So how can our storytelling engage them and give them something they didn’t expect or experience before? There have been a few adjustments in how we approach the . On camera are lovers, playmates, wingmen, co-stars, best friends, the few gay men in his life who have exposed themselves. What you get is an arc of gay men that takes you to the other side of the AIDS crisis from pre-Stonewall, pre-gay liberation. This is Rock’s life through their lens.
Was it a concrete decision?
Yes, it was partially practical. We had to be very specific about the number of days we could shoot. Sure, there are parts where we wish we could have let Linda Evans roll when she weeps her tears, but I think her vocal choke still works. And you are looking at her and his ‘dynasty’ glory days.
Does this movie represent more than Rock Hudson? Does it represent that the film industry still respects its “double life” idea?
I won’t name names, but you know there are a few Rock Hudsons right now who need more attention given the fact that everyone has a tiny camera on their phone. secret magazine It was one thing, but it seems so strange looking back on it now.
Do you think this film is documenting something people are desperate to return to? Old Hollywood?
When his movies were great, it was so great. Douglas Sirk’s films were so rich and multi-layered. “As Heaven Permits” can be watched hundreds of times.oh and “Write in the Wind” what is the madness Dorothy Malone performance! Can we make a movie about her next time?
