Bear

The read

It runs a compact 10m.

Synopsis

Bear (10 minutes, 35 seconds) was Steve McQueen's first major film. Although not an overtly political work, for many viewers it raises sensitive issues about race, homoeroticism and violence. It depicts two naked men – one of whom is the artist – tussling and teasing one another in an encounter which shifts between tenderness and aggression. The film is silent but a series of stares, glances and winks between the protagonists creates an optical language of flirtation and threat.

Ratings

Key crew

• Steve McQueenDirector

Cast

• Steve McQueenCast
• Vernon DouglasCast

Stills

Themes