Fellini Satyricon

Giton and Encolpio

Fellini Satyricon, as evidenced by the first word in the title, is a film directed by the legendary Federico Fellini. He was an obscure director, but his films were so different that they became memorable for that very reason. 8 1/2, Fellini's Roma, etc.

Now, you may ask, 'What does this have to do with a yaoi/gay film review'? The answer lies within the movie.

Ascyltos and Encolpio

Fellini Satyricon is based upon the fragmented novel The Satyricon by Petronius -- a novel of modern and ancient fame. It's been reknowned for its lyrical style of writing, and the rather debauched and sexually explicit material contained inside it.

The movie is much like this. Filled with disturbing, yet striking, imagery, a total lack of cohesion-the book survived in un-linked fragments, so the movie is much the same way -- and a slew of main characters who're ambiguously sexual prettyboys.

The main character, Encolpio, is a well-toned, golden-skinned and fair-haired lad, with striking blue eyes. And he's shown in the first scene lamenting the loss of his equally-pretty boytoy, Giton. His friend (it's unclear in the film, but in the book also lover) Ascyltos, another gorgeous hunk, has stolen him. Thus the film embarks onto a journey of epic proportions, told from the perspective of Encolpio.

Mostly homoerotic, mind you.
Otherwise I wouldn't be writing this.

Ancient Rome was known as a self-indulgent land, and most of the pleasures the population took part in were of a sexual nature. Most of the experiences Encolpio, Ascyltos, and sometimes Giton embark on are sexual. Mostly with one another, whether figuratively or physically.

At one point, Encolpio loses his hardness, and must embark on a journey to restore it. He's met by a witch named Oenothea, who gives him a hallucinogenic potion which sends him into a state of "highness." As he regains his manhood, he glances out the window at his friend Ascyltos with a big, goofy smile. Nearby is a phallic statue of a rock.

Ascyltos and Encolpio

Such things are common in this film, and whether you notice them or not shows your true ability to find homoeroticism in film.

Watch Fellini, for one of many reasons. You'll get an entertaining (if disturbing) lesson on Ancient Rome. You'll learn about one of our great directors. You'll get a load of homoerotic antics. Oh, and if none of those convince you, take a look at any one of the three leads.

Androgynous prettboys never were so gay.