National Anthem: A Visually Beautiful Examining of Queer Rodeo, But With Complicating Tropes
The stunningly stunning history of America's queer rodeo scene, highlighting the beauty and resiliency of this sometimes disregarded community, Luke Gilford's directing debut, National Anthem (2024), is Inspired by Gilford's photography book of the same name, the video catches the vivid fluidity of queer life against the legendary American West. Although National Anthem is a fascinating window into this distinct subculture, it sadly conforms to well-known, irritating clichés, especially in how it depicts trans people.
Dylan's Trip: A Familiar Story of Self-Discovery
Dylan ( Charlie Plummer), a 21-year-old construction worker living in rural New Mexico with his mother Fiona (Robyn Lively) and younger brother, takes the stage in the movie. Dylan's life is defined by obligation and little personal inquiry. A turning point is reached when Dylan arrives at the Ranch operated known as House of Splendor run by Sky (Eve Lindley) and Pepe (Rene Rosado). This energetic venue gives Dylan the chance for self-discovery and acceptance as well as introducing him to the world of gay rodeo and its friendly community. The film's strength is in its close-up depiction of Dylan's path, catching his initial meetings with queerness, community, and self-awareness.
Dylan's Narrative's Limitations
But the way the movie emphasizes Dylan's story raises issues. Though a fascinating thread, Dylan's trip mostly depends on the clichés of the "straight man" finding himself via the prism of LGBT characters. The movie conforms to the worn-out story of a straight, cisgender character using their experience with a trans character as impetus for personal development. Dylan's emotional growth depends far too much on Sky, a "manic pixie dream girl" figure.
Sky's Character: An Ignored Possibility
Eve Lindley gives a captivating performance as Sky, but ultimately Dylan's journey uses the character as a device. Though the movie seems to show Sky as a strong and multifarious figure, her path is limited to helping Dylan improve. This sad cliché ruins the whole acceptance and representation theme of the movie, therefore producing an annoying aftertaste.
National Anthem as Experienced Atmosphere
Notwithstanding these flaws, National Anthem is a remarkable film in terms of visual storytelling and atmosphere. It has a certain texture that feels both familiar and relevant, much like previous masterpieces of gay film like Desert Hearts and Love Lies Bleeding. Reminiscent of Cormac McCarthy's Western settings, the film's visual look accentuates the setting's inherent beauty and imbues it with realism. Reminding viewers that these groups have always existed and provide a forum of acceptance and belonging, Gilford deftly depicts the essence of the gay rodeo community.
A Visual Triumph with Narrative Deficiencies
Eventually, National Anthem is a visually spectacular representation of the gay rodeo culture, offering a window into a lively community deserving of more attention. But the movie's emphasis on antiquated stereotypes about trans characters leaves one feeling dissatisfied. Though it is a visual success, it does not fully exploit the possibilities of its story. Notwithstanding these shortcomings, National Anthem presents a convincing window into the realm of queer rodeo, inspiring both respect and annoyance in viewers.
