Through intimate encounters with the life and work of five contemporary gay male directors this book develops a framework for interpreting what it means to make a gay film or adopt a gay point of view Emanuel Levy draws a clear timeline of gay filmmaking over the past four decades and its particular influences and innovations While recognizing the queering of American culture that resulted from these films Levy also takes stock of the ensuing conservative backlash and its impact on cinematic art He compares the similarities and differences between the North American attitudes of Todd Haynes Gus Van Sant and John Waters and the European perspectives of Pedro Almodovar and Terence Davies developing a truly expansive approach to gay filmmaking and auteur cinema Recognizing the innovative work and distinct sensibilities of five major gay American and European film directors