In My Beautiful Launderette,
a multi-dimensional issue of identity
such as youth, race and political identities are delved into.
The issue of sexuality and gender
are the most prominent features of the movie
The issue of homosexuality is
one of the main themes explored in the movie.
The affectionate love between Omar and Johnny
is shown more through their attitude
rather than too explicit sexual scenes.
However, 1980’s is not yet the period
when homosexuality is generally
being explored openly in the media.
Therefore the boys are seen more like
a playful but sincere couple.
At the same time,
they are still experimenting heterosexual relationships,
e.g.: Omar says that he would still like to marry Tania.
On a deeper level,
the homosexuality issue here is intertwined
with racism concern.
The social stigma which they face will be doubled.
Perhaps,
the degree of acceptance will be higher
if both of them are white boys.
The issue of inter-racial relationship is
examined further in the relationship of
Nasser and his white mistress, Rachel.
They are seeing each other in public places
without much difficulty.
Therefore,
it pretty much boils down to the economic power.
When you are rich,
you will be recognized with social status,
people cannot do anything about it, can they?
Just make sure that you do not mingle
with a family who are still practicing black magic.
Looking from another perspective,
Nasser is a family-orientated man,
so his involvement with Rachel may
implies deeper motive on his part.
He wants to move up the social ladder faster and
indulges himself in the Westernized pleasures
which his traditionally reserved wife
cannot provide him with.
Additionally,
having a white mistress gives him
the pride of being the influential businessman.
It can be part of his agenda to
get rid of his Pakistani identity.
The relationships between young migrants
are still pretty much confined
to the traditional ways.
Tania is an open-minded and rebellious girl.
She likes Omar alright,
but she hates the idea of arrange marriage.
She could not stand the idea of her parents
arranging everything for her,
including shaping Omar to be a businessman
so that he can take over the family business one day
if they really get married.
Therefore she chooses to run away from home.
As she said,
the spider web of male domination in the family
is swallowing them up.
Additionally,
the film looks into the role expectancy of
different genders in a Pakistani community.
Young boy like Omar is expected to
go into family business
while girls are to be married away
to a decent family.
They should become decent housewives and
raise good children.
This is another reason why
Tania wants to run away from home.
With the Western education she receives,
she has bigger ambitions to think about.
In conclusion,
the movie achieves great success in
transmitting certain messages
on the issue of gender and sexuality.
Sex is not being exploited in the scenes
to sensationalize the film.
The subject is being discussed
in a sincere and realistic manner.
yeah
I pretty much enjoy the movie.
My Beautiful Launderette / 1985
