DO I SOUND GAY? | FILM REVIEW
Dir: David Thorpe (15, 78 mins)
An illuminating documentary, originally dating from 2014 and new to Amazon Prime’s Icon Film Channel, which follows journalist David Thorpe as he struggles with how he sounds, hating his so-called effeminate voice. This examination of the homosexual timbre manages to provide a potted history of one man’s life, growing up gay in the Bible belt and the various masks he may have subconsciously worn. It also addresses a wider social impact, stereotypes, bias and prejudice: who knew so much could be wrapped up in sibilant S sounds, over-pronunciation and long vowels?
Essentially Thorpe’s journey, his attempts to sound more standard American neutral – more stereotypically masculine – have a lot to do with his own sense of self-worth. He visits speech therapists and scientists who analyse the ‘gay voice’ and find that while some elements may be similar, there is no definite historical precedent. Men often copy the voices of those who surround them as they grow up, using popular culture as a touchstone: at one point, Disney villains such as Shere Khan, Scar and Jafar are shown to be a template for the supposed evils of camp. Various people are consulted on what makes the gay voice, from Thorpe’s close friends to George Takei and humorist David Sedaris – the latter, we’re informed is still often confused with a woman when he makes a telephone booking.
Do I Sound Gay? is a journey of discovery for Thorpe as he tries to find his true voice. Old friends chart his change from normal-voiced teen to more overtly camp student and share their views on it, some feeling confused by his vocal changes as he asserts a different sort of identity. Intriguing, and timely in Pride month, it’s all about owning who you are with confidence: say it loud and proud.
Streaming now via the Icon Film Channel on Prime Video UK
words KEIRON SELF