But I'm A Cheerleader
Screening on Film
Directed by Jamie Babbit.
With Natasha Lyonne, Cathy Moriarty, RuPaul.
US, 1999, 35mm, color, 85 min.
With Natasha Lyonne, Cathy Moriarty, RuPaul.
US, 1999, 35mm, color, 85 min.
Spirited, blonde, and popular high-school cheerleader Megan (Lyonne) is suspected by her ultra-conservative parents of being a lesbian, and is placed in the care of the staff at True Directions, a camp that attempts to turn gay teenagers straight. As Megan takes lessons in stereotypically gender-specific activities (housecleaning, child-rearing) she begins to fall in love with a fellow female camper. Though But I'm A Cheerleader delves deep into satire—even casting RuPaul as one of the head (male) counselors—the comedy is tinged with tenderness and romance.