Sunday, May 17, 2009

Out Spotlight LXXX

Today's Out Spotlight is Christopher Isherwood and Don Bachardy.

Author Christopher Isherwood was born in Northwest England in 1904, and was a major figure in the gay rights movement. His writing has served as a unifying cause for gay rights in the twentieth century. His novels and biographies sympathetically portray the intimate lives of gay characters to demonstrate their normalcy, and he
attempts to fit his writing in with the work of other gay authors, creating an identity out of a new tradition. Consequently, the majority of criticism has focused on the various ways in which hechampioned gay causes in his writing.

He maybe best known by OMG readers for what his writings inspired. Isherwood left England to visit friend and mentor W.H.Auden in Germany in 1928 for several weeks, but decided to stay in Berlin,the capital of the young Weimar Republic, drawn by its deserved reputation for sexual freedom. During that time he met his inspiration for Sally Bowles and Mr.Norris. And while working as a private tutor in Berlin and elsewhere he wrote the novel Mr Norris Changes Trains (1935) and a series of short stories collected under the title Goodbye to Berlin (1939). These provided the inspiration for the play I Am a Camera, the subsequent musical Cabaret and the film of the same name.

Artist Don Bachardy was born in Los Angeles on May 18, 1934, he began drawing as a child. By his early teenage years, he was specializing in portraits rendered in ink and acrylics. Bachardy attributes his interest in looking at people to his childhood obsession with movies, a passion carried into his adult life.

Isherwood immigrated to the U.S. in 1939, with long time friend W.H. Auden. Having established himself in the U.S., Isherwood found himself in California by the start of the 1950's. In 1952, the 48-year old Isherwood met the 18-year-old Don Bachardy at Will Rogers State Beach in October and by early the following year, the two had begun an life long love story and partnership that lasted until Isherwood's death. "They were a high-profile, openly gay couple whose meeting coincided with one of the most homophobic decades in American history, the era of McCarthyism, when homosexuals were being driven out of the State Department."

Yet to the gay community at large, as well as those who were casually acquainted with the couple, Isherwood and Bachardy seemed to live an enviably idyllic existence in their hillside Santa Monica home, where they entertained the leading figures of the world of arts and letters, and the movie stars that a young Bachardy once sought out for autographs growing up in Los Angeles.

Their relationship was a challenge not only a openly gay relationship in 1950's America, but the age difference. Barchardy was 30 years Isherwood's junior and was boyishly handsome making him look underage.

Bachardy was subjected to considerable homophobia in Hollywood, it was directed pointedly at him rather than Isherwood, who was protected by his celebrity status. Evelyn Hooker, the psychologist whose 1950s research showing that homosexuality is not a mental illness helped launch gay liberation, asked Isherwood to leave the guest cottage he rented from her when Bachardy moved in with him.

Isherwood established and with mentors and contempories such as W.H.Auden, E.M. Forester, and others in literary, arts and film circles sometimes overwhelmed the young Bachardy who was also sometimes disregarded by Isherwood's famous friends. But Isherwood encouraged Bachardy's talent for drawing and, in a relatively short time, Bachardy became an internationally acclaimed artist in his own right.

While Isherwood would go on to write about his life long love, Bachardy drew and painted about his. Isherwood was the subject of countless portraits painted by Bachardy. After Isherwood was diagnosis with prostate cancer in 1981, Bachardy devoted himself to nursing his partner and painting portraits of him everyday. Even after his death Barchardy spent hours drawing Isherwood's corpse.

Isherwood wrote of Barchardy and their relationship:

"I myself didn't feel guilty about it, but I did feel awed by the emotional intensity of our relationship, right from its beginning; the strange sense of a fated, mutual discovery. I knew that, this time, I had really committed myself."
My Guru and His Disciple (1980)

And about Barchardy "the ideal companion to whom you can reveal yourself totally and yet be loved for what you are, not what you pretend to be."
Christopher and His Kind (1976)

Isherwood and Barchardy were together for 43 years until Isherwood's death in 1986. Their extraordinary love story has been chronicled in the documentary, Chris & Don. A Love Story.

Chris & Don. A Love Story

Chris & Don. A Love Story (IMDB)

58 comments:

:) said...

Chris and Don - trailer

Elinor said...

Hello OMG fellows,

Hope you have a marvellous sunny day, and not like me a melancolic sunday! The sun has been a little joker since few days, he comes and warms up us only for one moment then lets us with a spleen. I would like it more generous and no miserly lol.

Fortunately, the moving spotlight today warm my little heart up.
Wonderful lesson of courage and freedom these two men give us.
The difference of age and social pressure could have been an obstacle in their relation but their love was stronger. I admire and envy them. They remind me Rimbaud and Verlaine, our two french poets who lived a passionate romance in the 19è century.

Thanks Special K for being a credit to these extraordinary humans being every Sunday.

Besides I am even more happy cause today in my country , the government decided Transexuallity won't be considerated as a mental illness anymore. It was time really !!!!

Elinor said...

Oh I forgot, congratulations for Norway victory in Eurovision !!! I know there is a Norway OMG poster here!! lol

Special K said...

Elinor

There was more about the Sinatra biopic in today's NY Post's Page Six. And they mention Jake too. Maybe I was onto something about that hat. LOL

Page SixAnd NG - more congrats for Norway's win.

Elinor said...

Thanks special K for the link.

What new development! Johnny Deep now??? wonderful actor but don't see him as Sinatra.

As for Timberlake, no comment LOL

Jake has blue eyes and wears fedora perfectly but it's not enough to play sinatra lol.

I wish someone unknown.

IHJ said...

May 16 - Out For Coffee With Deacon In L.A.

cfkef said...

Isn't Deacon too young for coffee?

Special K said...

I don't know why anyone would want to attempt to play Sinatra. Too much pressure - not just from the Sinatra family but the fans. How do you play an icon. I guess the same could be said about those who played Elvis.

Yes it is a challenge - but can you ever please everyone? Do you end up focusing on pleasing yourself about your performance? the director? or the fans?

I think using someone who is established as an actor - brings to much into it. I agree - an unknown.

Today's post the story of Chris and Don I can see how people would initial have a reaction to it because of the 30 yr age difference. It is very unconventional.

If you look at the clips on imdb you can see Don talking about Christopher always supportive always interested and always encouraging.

It is the story of two artists. And yes it makes me think of Austin and Jake, and before anyone says anything about them being out and Austin and Jake not, I understand that point. But I what I do see Jake and Austin encouraging supporting and interested in each other's goals and dreams and career, wanting each other to find them and have success and knowing that they can achieve it.

PG did it again said...

May 12, 2009 7:46 PM

Posted on OMG by prairiegirl

"I only saw 3 bags in Jake's hands at Whole Foods and from those pictures & his appearance (and boy, he looks really rough in those), it's impossible to tell what the store run was for. I suppose if someone wanted to try & make it sound like Jake was making a Mother's Day for Reese store run, the picture would've had a much more astounding impact had the 2 "stepchildren" been with him."

Special K said...

Jake and Deacon - you can see they aren't super close by the way Deacon keeps space between them. But it's funny that Jake is still more engaged with Deacon than he is with Reese. And Jake actually looks at Deacon which Reese rarely does with her kids.

What is weird is that Jake gets Deacon in the back of the car and the two coffees and bag disappear meaning someone else had to be in the car. You wouldn't hand hot coffee to a five year old, or put them next to him in the cup holders in the back seat. Someone else was in the car. (ahem)

I wonder if she said "oh you go get coffees" and then told Deacon to go along. And what could Jake do? Send him back to the car?

And why do I think she would do this. To dig at Ryan who was seen out drunk at Cannes.

Thinking about what TR said about comparisons. Perfect example

check! said...

Aww, a nice, healthy set of photos with which to choose one for inclusion in the next US Weekly spread! Comes complete with "protective stepdad" at the end.

destiny said...

Nothing like reading about the furthur bearding adventures while on the subway with alot of gay men obviously headed the same place as me, a rally for gay marriage organized by Broadway associated with BroadwaAnd next up Star Trek.

Great spotlight. Nice to read about men with balls.

:) said...

Destiny,

have a great time and give a hug to Cheyenne Jackson for me!

destiny said...

I'm almost a block from the stage, and can barely see it for all the tall men, sigh.

Great turnout for a cold cloudy day.

x17 pics said...

What's strange about the pics is they're from x17 but [so far] x17 hasn't had them on their site. Is Reeke/Jake that boring [yes, lol] that x17 is selling off their pics without a feature story? And another thing, how are we to know when the pics were really taken, if x17 has been holding on to them until they decided it wasn't story-worthy?

come on said...

You wouldn't hand hot coffee to a five year old, or put them next to him in the cup holders in the back seat. Someone else was in the car. (ahem)x

Who else was in the car? Please don't say Austin, just don't.

duh said...

Reese.

Florida Tom said...

Read and post the whole comment that Special wrote. Spesh said SHE SHE SHE later in the comment. Learn how to read come on.

Florida Tom said...

reese wants Jake to be called the child pimp and not herself. Jake is stupid enough to fall for it. The man is certainly not extremely bright. He is being used to the max.

Florida Tom said...

I certainly agree with Spesh on this one. What a great time to plant these pics to make Ryan look bad. reese is nuts and dangerous and Jake as stupid as he had been lately is gonna get burnt big time when this is over. No doubt in my mind. She will do everything she can to ruin Jake if he makes a mistake. I certainly dont think we will see Austin and Jake out for at least 5 years now. Jake is being used by someone who he thinks is a friend and his own mother. Better find a better therpaist Jake.

tr said...

Lot's of websites with the lead in paragraph of "while Reese takes care of the kids Ryan lives it up in Cannes with girlfriend".

Have you ever seen Ryan drag the kids onto San Vicente for a little coffee run when Reese is living it up with Jake or working constantly?

No.

He is everything Jake isn't but in a good way.

Special K said...

Still can see Reese pulling the stunt of Jake thinking he's going to get the coffee alone. And Reese asking Deacon if he wants to go after Jake is already walking to the coffee shop. And Jake finding Deacon running up.


Cool about the rally Destiny. NH is very close to passing their own bill for marriage equality. Then it would be only Rhode Island as the last New England state. Heard great things about Star Trek and hopefully am going to go see it this week.

Florida Tom said...

You are correct TR. Ryan is no saint but I think he is a good Dad. He also has evry roght to be out with his girlfriend having a good time. Actually Ryan and Abbey are ver sexy. Jake and reese look like Jed and Grandma Clampbett.

Too Bad Reese said...

Congratulations to Abbie! Looks like she could get an Oscar nod for her performance in "Bright Star." Yeah!

Florida Tom said...

Yes How funny you mention it Too Bad. I was just browsing over at The Envelope and Abbies name is now appearing on many Best Actress lists. How sweet would that be to see.

Florida Tom said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Florida Tom said...

Jersey Tom said...
Regretfully "Taking Woodstock" with Ang Lee Director one of the very early Oscar favorites has gotten very poor reviews. But the good news at Cannes ys Abbeys movie "Bright Star" has gotten excellent reviews. I can see Abbie being an Oscar winner and a very beautiful young bride with a dashing masculine groom who loves her very much. Ryan wont be trapped this time. He will be in love.

Special K said...

Reese has had paps pictures of her out all week. The Avon event, shopping, softball practice, taking Deacon to baseball games etc every single day. Funny how that happened the same week as Ryan and Abbie in Cannes and how JJ mentions that they are in Cannes on both weekend mentions of Reese/Deacon on JJ. It's just so heavy handed.

Also interesting it was mentioned here that they haven't been in Ojai, and surprise JJ captions the Jake and Deacon picture as being in Ojai, of course you can't confirm that from the pictures. (plain coffee cups, and non-descript street) Could be Santa Monica Breantwood, and you can't confirm anything.

Special K said...

^Breantwood = Brentwood

Florida Tom said...

Whats the odds of Jake getting reese pregnant:-)

Oh that was fun I hope reeke keeps giving me more ammunition. I am into it big time. Here is my middle finger for you Jake.

Special K said...

Quick little interview with Bret Easton Ellis in Newsweek.

NewsweekStill hoping Senator comes to its senses and put the 90 minutes they cut in the DVD and get out by fall.

Special K said...

Congratulations to Cynthia Nixon and her girlfriend on Christne Marinoni on their engagement.

prairiegirl said...

Well, well, well....look what we have today! What a coincidence. The same weekend as Cannes. Who was it also who called it & said to be prepared? Meg, I believe. Sure enough and not only that, but...runs index finger across Irish Pub Calendar 2009...yup, it's been 2 weeks, right on cue.

Tom, exactly. Why on earth can't Ryan go out and have a good time? I'm glad to hear Abbie C. is getting very good buzz.

I cannot believe Reese is cold enough to pimp out her kids, but she is. That is exactly what this is, pimping out your kids. Funny how we don't see one single iota pic of Jake with either child since before Christmas. That is 5 months, people. Five. Months.
That's not a coincidence. It's not a matter of the cameras just not happening to "catch" them all together. Five months and not one single picture of the 4 together. Or Jake & one of the children. Or Jake and both of the children. Or Jake, Reese & 1 of the children. Not one. Until now.
LOL, is my point clear?

Actually, Special, if that had been me with those 2 coffee cups, I wouldn't have had them anywhere near Deacon. Those aren't iced latte cups. Those are hot coffee cups. They don't put Frappuccino's in those kind of cups. So, good call because there's definitely someone else in that vehicle and we all here know who it was (and no, it's not Austin! lol, come on! Who said that, anyways). Of course it was Reese. Who else is that other coffee for?

Do you think she's going to pass up a photo op chance? She's actually volunteering to stay behind in the vehicle? Can't put The Club on that steering wheel? Do we have stupid tattoo'd on our foreheads here?!

I'm killin' myself here. lol. The Club. (wink! wink!)

Aw, this one would be all kinds of amusing & guffaw-worthy if it wasn't for the fact that she's using her own children, and it's not the first time. He's too little to know any better and that's worse yet. Ava, she's old enough now. This little boy has no idea. And that is just as sad as can be.

Let's see, now, what was my other request to PR? Oh yeah! The clear, definitive picture of Reese inside the courtyard at Maggie & Peter's wedding event.
And the new 3rd request: Reese taking Jake to her hometown to meet her family. Why don't you all just work on that one now. Your new homework assignment.

Can I recommend Expedia or Orbitz for the search for flight fares? I don't know where her family is located at but surely there'd be some flying involved. Memorial Day weekend is frequently used for family reunions & picnics. Maybe somehow work in family...Disney...private jet...gotta be a way to tie it all in together so the personal assistants can be taken along and business credit card can be used...hmmmm...

prairiegirl said...

Today's post is so excellent. You know, when I first glanced at it, I'm afraid I thought I wasn't going to be very interested but I kept reading and the whole story was just so intriguing. I mean, there's age differences and then there's parting the Red Sea kind of age difference. This is just extraordinary. So, did they meet on a beach?? What, did Isherwood spot Don Bachardy on the beach and just go up & strike up a coversation? I just find this so intriguing. I also find it very hot, lol, I'm not kidding.

I was googling Don Bachardy and saw lots of his drawings and other photos of him. He came to be a pretty well recognized artist it looks like. And the fact that he found himself so unaccepted in Isherwood's circle is astounding. And even more astounding the fact that the 2 guys were able to stay together through it all.
And Don Bachardy drew his companion even after he was dead?!! You've got to be kidding me! I saw a picture online where it looked like Isherwood was in tremendous pain. That's kind of strange that he would draw something like that. I wonder what made him want to draw that?
Anyone have a clue? I'm trying to figure that one out.

And how could he draw him after death without the body starting to decompose???

Fascinating story. Such an accomplishment to stay together for so long. And also during such a repressed, closeted period, even much more so than now. Astonishing, really.

Well, kind of a late day. I got on here several times today with the intent to comment on this Out Spotlight, but I never could complete that task. And now that it's time to go to bed, well....better late than never, I guess.

Sweet dreams to whoever is still up! And hope it was a good weekend for all.

Clarity said...

Wow. Its so ironic that I just saw Chris & Don on DVD last weekend. Excellent movie. So real and down to earth. I highly recommend it. I just wish they had shown more of Dons paintings. Really a great love story. You could tell they had it bad for each other right from the start. Awesome : )

fyi said...

5.0 earthquake at 8:40 pm centered in LA.

destiny said...

The rally was great, I see one of the things that happened at the rally is already making the rounds, Cynthia Nixon's announcement of her engagement. I knew Michael K. would have to rush that one out there. :-D

I maybe not have been able to see very well, but I could hear just fine. It opened with the cast of Hair doing several songs. Gavin Creel, one of the stars, is one of the founding members of the group that organized the rally. Cheyenne Jackson sang, and Cynthia spoke, as did David Hyde Pierce, who gave a very touching speech about how wonderful it was to get married after being with his partner for 25 years, and how the ring symbolizes everything they've done together, their family, their friends, I wish I could remember the exact words. There was also the usual assortment of local politicians, plus the Mayor and the Governor.

Then it was off to Star Trek, which I really enjoyed (not so much my gf and her mother). Saw it at an IMAX, which ran 3 or 4 ads, including Harry Potter--with Daniel Radcliff, who has been hanging with that performer, can't remember if she is transvestite, transexual or transgender--then an add for Transformers, which includes Megan Fox, then of course Star Trek, with Z. Quinto, who may be keeping it real.

All those stars, being true to themselves, some working for equality. When I think about it I just can't help that things are really beginning to shift. There's just so many exciting things happening, and with all that Jake just looks worse and worse to me, but with all that is going on, it doesn't bother me anymore because I do think somewhere out there is someone who is going to do what I had hoped Jake would do.

Meg said...

Know its early on a Monday morning for conspiracy theory number 423, but here goes.

It's funny how the entry on JJ has changed the date and location of stepdad Jake's coffee run. Now I've never been to either LA or Ojai, but i'm fairly sure that those pics look like LA. If that's Ojai, why would people spent $$$$$'s buying country residences in somewhere that seems extremely urban and LAish. (funny how the very LAish palm trees have been blocked out of the JJ pics to make it a bit more Ojai-ish).

Also, interesting that the only pics on JJ where Jake is holding a coffee are ones where he manoeuvred the second coffee cup behind the pastry bag , so as to look like he's out on his own with Deacon.

And we knew ther was going to be some Reeking this weekend, and all considered this is really rather tame. Maybe there's more horrors to come over the next few days. Who can tell what Reese is capable of if Abbie's film actually wins at Cannes.

Another take on these pics could be, Reese takes Deacon to his sports, with x17 in tow, on her way home she has a pre-arranged meet up with Jake, who walks down the street with D, with friendly x17 staff also in tow. D gets in car, R&D go home, Jake also goes home for an afternoon of watching re-runs of OTH and scrapbooking pics of his own glory days in Cannes.

(meanwhile, somewhere in Umbria, a quirkily dressed Austin is having a simply delightful time discovering Italy in the spring)

(I know there are far more important things to think about, but this is all so weird and bizarrely addictive I can't help myself, very sad I know)

Meg said...

okay, scrap the comments about palm trees above, like all good conspiracy theories, I think a second look at the pics has made me think they could be taken anywhere, however, the coffee juggling comment still stands.

(now off to prove that men never did land on the moon).

cheap seats said...

I live for the analysis and conspiracy theories! Keep them coming! :D

? said...

Where are you getting that the picsare ftom x17? JJ has them tagged frmo pacificoastnews. If IHJ has them tagged x17 it's not visible on the pics. Did someone e-mail Stephanie and IHJ and ask her/]? If so, did she explain why JJ has them tagged with another agency?

?? said...

IHJ - Saturday (May 16) in Los Angeles

Just Jared - Sunday (May 17) in Ojai, Calif.

... said...

"Where are you getting that the pics are ftom x17?"

JJ picts - slightly different angle. Looks like X17 and Pacificoastnews paparazzi were there.

? said...

Are the pics on IHJ tagged x17, if so where? That's what I was asking,JJ just has pacific.

Jared is usally wrong on dates.

? said...

Would explain why x17 hasn't posted them yet if they didn't take them unless i'm missing something.

PR said...

Jared used wrong location on purpose - PR they wanted to repeat Ojai Reeke stories.

Special K said...

Funny How this works

This is from People's Couple Watch - and this is how they appeared

• Reese Witherspoon and Jake Gyllenhaal, having a mellow breakfast with friends at Lamill coffee boutique in L.A.'s trendy Silverlake neighborhood. After both ordering eggs, they were joined by another couple who brought their baby. "They were all very relaxed," says an onlooker. "There was a lot of laughter."

• Ryan Phillippe grooving out with girlfriend Abbie Cornish at the jumping Nikki Beach club, set up at the Cannes Film Festival. The pair is in the South of France for Cornish's film Bright Star, which is being screened at the film fest.

Reese has got to be on top. ALWAYS

Funny how that breakfast and coffee thing is so informative about some things and how there is no day mentioned in the People story and has bounced everywhere this weekend - certain details like dates - nail things down too much.

Check it out at Couple Watch: People.comAgain - how heavy handed is Reese's pr, because if you couldn't see that this past week has all been all about her, (and lets face it - Italy) you can by the end of this week.

Clarity said...

That rally sounds like it was great Destiny. Thanks for giving all the details. Cant wait to see Star Trek myself. It must have been awesome in an Imax theater. I'll have to check for one here.

Have a good day everybody.

tr said...

I'm actually disappointed in seeing the proactive reactions to Cannes by team Reese. You would think after all this time that she would be able to live her life and not obsess about what he's doing with another woman but obviously not.

Special K said...

Yesterday was the 5th anniversary of same sex marriage bill being passed in Massachusetts. There were some that said it would be the downfall of the state. Not quite.

Boston GlobeCongratulations to the 12,000 couples who married here in Massachusetts the past 5 years.

destiny said...

LOL Meg, I really enjoyed your post. And let us hope Austin is in Italy and enjoying himself. I hope he is there on his own or with someone besides Jake, otherwise as someone on wft2 joked, he would just be seeing the inside of some Italian hotels.

flf said...

Destiny, thanks for all the info about the rally. Yes, times are changing aren't they? And Jake does look like a homophobic hypocrite.

I looove Star Trek. Always have. Specially Spock. Now I have 2 of them! Yay! Zachary Quinto is great as Spock and if what they say about him is true, that's fantastic! I hope he lives long and prospers! :)

Sorry, if I don't post much but Star Trek is uh, distracting me :)

Here's Where said...

Answering ?'s question, see IHJ pic page:

Home > Paparazzi Photos > 2009

May 16 - Out For Coffee With Deacon In Los Angeles

Credit: www.x17online.com

28 files, last one added on May 17, 2009

lane said...

this past week has all been all about her, (and lets face it - Italy) you can by the end of this week......You would think after all this time that she would be able to live her life and not obsess about what he's doing with another woman.

Narcissism anyone? Tr I don't think its about Ryan as much, it is more about Reese having to be the center of attention. Italy was a fine example. She is one sick puppy.

destiny said...

I've always been a fan of Star Trek too, when I was a kid I would come home and watch the old series every day after school. Some of the movies they've made have been so bad, so it's so exciting to get a good movie. I loved Quinto as Spock, and everyone else is good too.

? said...

Hmmm. This is all i'm getting:

Home > Paparazzi Photos > 2009 > May 16 - Out For Coffee With Deacon In Los Angeles

I assume you e-mailed Stephanie at IHJ and she told you, which is correct since x17 has posted the set this morning. They have no date on the pics or where they were taken whichis odd.

I would assume a pap sold the pics to both x17 and pacificcoastnews and the latter posted them right away and Jared got them from that site.

Here's Where said...

Jeezus....AGAIN. FOR THE LAST FRIGGING TIME. THE X17 CREDIT IS ON PAGE 6 OF HOME> PAPARAZZI PHOTOS> 2009. YOU ARE GOING TO THE MAY 16 PAGE, DON'T. GO TO THE 2009 PAGE 6. GET IT?

Here's Where said...

Sorry to get mad but my god it is frustrating to have to write it again when it is right there.