Are you ready to step into our time machine?
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY TANGO FILM
The 70s was a time of profound social change. Following the Stonewall Uprising in 1969, LGBTQIA+ rights were finally being discussed and fought for. The world’s first Pride took place in 1970, and England and Wales were celebrating life post-decriminalisation. Times were changing, and the representation we were seeing on screen was moving with it.
While there were still some pretty awful depictions of lesbians on screen, the 70s saw the beginning of full-formed queer characters taking centre stage. Here are some classic films that defined the decade.
Madame X: An Absolute Ruler (1978)
This rather wacky film was the stuff of dreams during the 70s. The film follows a notorious pirate ruler who convinces several women who are bored of mundane life to join her on her lesbian ship to set sail off to adventure. It’s absurd, it’s kooky, it’s the 70s.
Sugar Cookies (1973)
This American crime thriller followed the tragic tale of a young model who is murdered by a film producer during an erotic game. The model’s lesbian lover decides to enact revenge by using a secretive scheme that is sure to take down the sleaze for good.
The War Widow (1976)
After years of seeing lesbians only really depicted in crime thrillers or horrors, this historical drama was a breath of fresh air. The film follows Amy, a woman who is waiting for her husband to return from WW1. She meets a photographer named Jenny and the pair hit it off. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that Amy becomes less and less bothered about her husband coming home.
A Woman Like Eve (1979)
This Dutch drama made waves when it was released for its depiction of lesbian life. When a bored housewife called Eve meets a lesbian on a commune, her life changes forever. The free-spirited lesbian named Liliane inspires Eve to break free from societal oppression and follow her own desires.
The Bitter Tears Of Petra von Kant (1972)
Directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder, this classic film follows the story of Petra von Kant, a prolific fashion designer who falls in love with a younger woman. However, things start to go south when Petra’s eyes start wandering over to fashion model Karin. What happens when obsession mixes love and hate?
A Question Of Love (1978)
While this film has been criticised for its largely lukewarm deep dive into the lives of lesbians, A Question Of Love is still a pivotal film from this decade. The American drama is based on the real life story of a lesbian mother fighting for custody of her children against her ex-husband, who is claiming her lifestyle is “immoral”.
Je Tu Il Elle (1974)
This film is largely famous for having one of the longest lesbian sex scenes ever. This French-Belgian film follows the protagonist Julie through three separate events. In one section, she is visiting her ex-lover, and the pair take part in an iconic 10-minute lesbian sex scene.
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