The 2015 film Stonewall, directed by Roland Emmerich, aims to dramatize a pivotal moment in LGBT history—the 1969 Stonewall Riots. These riots were a violent clash with police that ignited the modern gay rights movement, making the subject a cornerstone of queer history.
The plot follows Danny Winters, a fictional young gay man from Indiana who moves to New York City after being outed to his conservative family. Struggling to find his footing in Greenwich Village, Danny becomes part of a diverse community of street youth, drag queens, and activists. Through the Stonewall Inn, Danny encounters both camaraderie and exploitation, while witnessing the systemic violence faced by the queer community. The story climaxes with the riots, in which Danny is depicted as throwing the first brick, sparking the historical uprising.
1. Strengths of the Film
- Stonewall manages to capture the spirit of rebellion that defined the era. It portrays the oppressive conditions faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, highlighting police brutality and systemic discrimination.
- The film also draws attention to the plight of homeless queer youth, a group often overlooked in mainstream narratives. Emmerich’s commitment to this aspect was reportedly inspired by his involvement with Los Angeles’ Gay and Lesbian Center.
2. Flaws and Criticism
- Historical Inaccuracies: Critics have lambasted the film for its “whitewashing” of history. The narrative sidelines key figures like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, who were instrumental in the riots. Instead, it centers on Danny, a white, cisgender male, which some see as a missed opportunity to authentically represent the diverse activists of the movement.
- Simplistic Storytelling: Many reviewers felt the film’s focus on a coming-of-age arc detracted from the complexity of the historical events. As Vanity Fair’s Richard Lawson put it, Stonewall turned a politically charged moment into “a bland, facile coming-of-age story.”
- Misrepresentation of Diversity: Despite director Emmerich’s claims, critics like Maya Stanton (Entertainment Weekly) argued that the film reduces a seminal civil rights moment to the perspective of a “pretty white kid,” leaving marginalized voices on the periphery.
3. The Legacy of Representation
The backlash surrounding Stonewall highlights the importance of accurate and inclusive storytelling, especially when tackling historical events. While Emmerich defended his creative choices, claiming the film was intended for both gay and straight audiences, many activists and historians expressed disappointment in its execution.
“Stonewall is uninterested in any history that doesn’t revolve around its white, male, stereotypically attractive protagonist.” —Mark Segal, Stonewall veteran
A Lesson for Future Films
While Stonewall may have fallen short of its aspirations, its controversy serves as a reminder of the power and responsibility filmmakers hold when depicting LGBTQ+ history. Authentic representation and historical accuracy are not just artistic choices but moral imperatives. Films like Stonewall should strive to honor the voices of those who shaped the movement, ensuring their legacy inspires future generations.
