Appropriate Behavior

Desiree Akhavans debut feature, Appropriate Behavior, premiered at Sundance in 2014. It was a radical reappropriation of straight and gay film genres, an artists coming-of-age story, and a model for feminist-queer creative collaboration. Maria San Filippo explores how filmmaker and film render a singular voice and story that queers its celebrated romcom predecessors and the gay coming-out film and the lesbian romance alike.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 04 November 2022
Publisher: McGill-Queen's University Press

Appropriate Behavior is a critically acclaimed debut feature film by director Desiree Akhavan, which had its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in 2014. The film introduced the indie film world to the distinctive wit and deadpan humor that had already won over fans of Akhavan's pioneering LGBTQ web series, The Slope.

This book serves as the first volume in the Queer Film Classics series, focusing on a work by and about a bisexual woman of color. It explores Appropriate Behavior as an instant classic of US indie filmmaking in the 2010s, a radical reappropriation of straight and gay film genres, an artist's coming-of-age story, and a model for feminist-queer creative collaboration.

Despite its young age, Appropriate Behavior captures the essence of an urban queer community grappling with the challenges of gentrification and homonormativity. It stands as a testament to an innovative wave of independent cinema that has yet to be fully subsumed by the dominant streaming economy.

In her exploration, author Maria San Filippo delves into the unique voice and storytelling approach of filmmaker Desiree Akhavan, highlighting how Appropriate Behavior challenges not only its celebrated romcom predecessors but also the gay coming-out film and the lesbian romance genre. The book concludes with an insightful interview with Akhavan, providing further insights into the creative process behind this groundbreaking film.

One of the remarkable aspects of Appropriate Behavior is its audacious sensibility and the "inbetweener" moxie that defines the character of Rebecca. Akhavan's portrayal of bisexuality is unparalleled, offering a fresh and authentic perspective on the complexities of sexual identity.

In conclusion, Appropriate Behavior is a groundbreaking film that has left an indelible mark on the indie film world. Through its unique blend of wit, humor, and authenticity, the film has resonated with audiences worldwide, showcasing the power of storytelling to challenge norms and represent diverse voices. This book serves as a valuable contribution to the study of queer cinema and provides a deeper understanding of the significance of Appropriate Behavior in shaping the landscape of independent filmmaking.

Dimension: 203 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780228014584