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Wednesday, October 27, 2021
King's and Queens...
Once upon a time...
In our 'Carrie', our Prom King is crowned not just for popularity or grades, but after competing in a series of competitions. These include of course the all important speedo walk across the stage. His fellow students vote on confidence, strut, and of course how well he fills out the spandex.
Most of us grew up up in a mostly heteronormative work where children's stories, fairy tales and even holiday characters are depicted as being straight. Sure, we had our suspicious when we looked at some characters and TV special, (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer) but they were still created for a mostly heteronormative world.
Carrie
One of the themes I have loved exploring the last few years is putting a homonormative twist on traditional stories and characters, I was inspired in large part though artist Richard Rothstein's series of homonormative fairy tales in which the New York photographer put his own stamp of The Little Mermaid, Little Red Riding Hood and Beauty & The Beast. In those stories, the ending was always about the princess finding their prince.
This narrow scope of story made it difficult for many of us growing to see ourselves in the stories we heard and read. It makes sense then, we would find a way to include ourselves somewhere within the series. Like so many young guys, when I was alone outside, I wasn't running to take a leap likes Superman, I was twirling into my Wonder Woman suit.
When it comes to the work of Stephen King, there isn't a lot of representation. Even when their is, it isn't often positive. The few gay characters within King's world are often stereotypes, and usually don't make it to the end of the story. (think IT.) That's why I knew when I decided to make King's work a focus, I needed to put a homonormative twist on some of the stories.
Pet Semetary
This post began the same way most of my stories do, with one images. I saw an image of a hot guy tied to a bed and thought it reminded me a bit of King's Misery. I searched and found another ten or so images, and thought that would be it. That was until, I discovered the work of Harlekinno The Host.
It was actually Harlekinno's Misery inspired art work (below) that led me to reach out to him about featuring the image. He responded by sending me back several other King inspired images created from his own point of view. So sure, King's work maybe mostly set in an heteronormative world, but like every story we read growing up, we as readers, not only interpret, but visualize the story and characters in a way that fits and makes sense for us.
Minimal Exposure King's films of the 1990's
'Two imprisoned men bond over a number of years, finding solace and eventual redemption through acts of common decency.'
Over the 10 years of the nineties, there were 13 film adaptations of King novels that made it to the screen. Despite two of those being set in an all-men's prison, there was actually very little nudity over the decade. In addition to the three films below, there was also a disturbing shower scene in 1998's Apt Pupil with the late actor Brad Renfro.. The scene itself was disturbing, and the behind the scenes drama surrounding it's filming. You can check out more HERE:
Shawshank Redemption (1994
Although you saw a few butts from some extra's, given how the scene was shot, I wouldn't really consider this a nude scene from actor Tim Robbins. Regardless, The Shawshank Redemption was a really beautifully shot and well done film that I resisted watching for years. I finally saw it a few years ago and am glad I finally watched.
The Green Mile (1999)
I loved the book The Green Mile, the movie, not as well. It was good, but too short to really cover the full story and magic of King's novel. The only nudity was a quick glimpse of Sam Rockwell, an actor whose not a stranger to on-screen nudity.
Thinner (1996)
I'm pretty confident that it wasn't actor Robert John Burke's backside in 1996's Thinner. Burke wore a 'fat suit' for most of the film so the butt was either CGI'd, or that of an body double.
Dust Devil (1992)1
1992's Dust Devil was not inspired by a King novel or short story. It was however, a horror film. I included these caps to provide a real view of the actual backside of actor Robert John Burke.
Horror Hunks: Alexander Skarsgård in The Stand
'After the world is in ruins, due to a man-made plague, a battle of Biblical proportions ensues between the survivors.'
Although some extra's were shown naked in the recently released Dr. Death, I don't get Peacock, and have yet to watch the show. The most notable male nudity found in source material from Stephen King is actor Alexander Skarsgård in the most current adaptation of King's classic The Stand.
Skarsgård plays one of King's most well known characters, Randall Flagg. In the Stand, Flagg is a demonic figure who wreaks havoc after a plague kills most of the world population. The character has appeared in nine of King's novels including The Eyes of the Dragon and The Dark Tower series.
Now let's be honest. It isn't really a huge challenge to get the pants off the men in the Skarsgård family. Alexander is known for his incredible looks and many nude scenes, he made headline news for his frontal in True Blood. It starts at the top, and Alexander's father Stellan has had nude scenes in over a half a dozen films. King can be credited, for providing the source material for two members of the family. Alexander and his younger brother Bill. Bill appeared nude, (rear) in the King inspired series Castle Rock. (HERE:)
Time to Float: Jonathan by Studio1x 🎈
'For 27 years, I dreamt of you. I craved you.'
Pennywise
One of the most fascinating things about this shoot was that in about 95% of the shots, Jonathan's face was covered. As he usually does, Jim (Studio1x) initially sent me on hundreds of images. Jim graciously lets me go through the entire shoot to choose my favorites. He then goes back and edits just the ones I'm going to use.
It took me quite awhile to go through the hundreds of shots before Jonathan's face was finally unveiled. Just as many did with the character of Pennywise, this had me wondering what and who was under the large white and red faced mask. Because of his dance background, Jonathan has a lean, tight form and a firm perky behind. I initially guessed our creepy clown had to be about 19 or 20. Even the mask itself had a young looking feel.
What a pleasant sexy surprise then, when the handsome smiling face of Jonathan was revealed in the last dozen or so images. In a horror movie, it's always nice when the sun comes up at the end of a terrifying night of murder and mayhem. After spending over an hour going through hundreds of images of a creepy clown, it was like a bright ray of sunshine to finally see the face and body of the costumes inhabitant.
How did you first connect:
I was connected to Jonathon through a previous model. Jonathan and I started talking and brainstorming ideas. It was a while before we were able to connect but once we did it was well worth the wait.
Jonathan
We met via a mutual acquaintance on IG. I don't really consider myself a model, just an everyday guy with an appreciation for creativity. It certainly was a push of personal comfort and stepping outside of my familiarity.
How was the idea of the IT theme received?
Jim
When I laid out the idea of Pennywise Jonathan was really into it.
Jonathan:
There was no hesitation; I simply said “When do we shoot?”
Had you seen the movie or read the book?
Jim
I have not read the book and I did see part of the first movie while i was flying. Sad to say we landed before I was able to finish the whole movie, but it is on my list to watch.
Jonathan
Embarrassed to say I have not read the book; but have seen both the original as well as the newer films. My favorite King book is Christine.
Was it difficult to bring Pennywise to life?
Jonathan:
Nah, the mask did the hard work.
Jim:
Pennywise just came to life once the mask was put on. It was fun to see it all come together.
What was the most challenging thing about the costume and shoot?
Jonathan:
The mask was bulky and the toile collar was a little finicky.
Jim:
I did wish the mask was made of different material to cover Jonathan's whole head. He didn't seem to mind having his face covered for a lot of the shoot. Sometimes it helps hiding behind a mask to come into character quicker and one is a bit more free to become someone else.
At times we had to get the ladder out and pull the balloon from the ceiling as in the movement and having the mask and gloves on it was hard for him to always know where it was and at times it slipped out of his hands. It was the first time I had used a balloon in a shoot but was very happy with the results.
Was much direction needed?
Jim:
I always shoot by improvising, when two creatives get together we build upon each other's ideas and coach through the movement. We did have a few other models in studio that day so he had a lot of assistance and direction.
Jonathan:
Jim guided me into my own natural creepy. It was a good balance of both.
What was the best thing about working with the other?
Jim:
Jonathan came with confidence and a open mind. He has studied dance so knew his body and movement well.
Jonathan:
It was super fun! The entire shoot was a blast and full of laughs. Despite being in a group session with a bunch of guys I didn’t know at the time Jim’s professionalism made it easy to relax and just have a good time.
What did you think of the final images?
Jim:
I was pleasantly surprised at how well they turned out. When you have an idea and put it into practice you never really know how it is going to turn out.
Jonathan:
I haven’t seen them all yet, I’ve been waiting for this post! 😉
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