In the vibrant landscape of queer cinema, Emma Seligman has emerged as a distinctive voice, particularly with her latest film, “Bottoms.” This teen sex comedy, which she co-wrote with Rachel Sennott, explores the lives of two queer high school students, PJ and Josie, who concoct an outrageous plan to start a fight club in hopes of attracting cheerleaders and losing their virginity. The film, which premiered to much anticipation, showcases Seligman’s unique ability to blend humor with poignant social commentary.
During a recent Q&A session following a DGA membership screening in New York, Seligman shared insights into the creative process behind “Bottoms.” Moderated by director Gene Stupnitsky, the discussion highlighted the challenges of establishing the right tone in a comedy. Seligman emphasized the delicate balance between absurdity and character depth, stating, “I stress about tone more than anything. You’re the only one that’s like, ‘No this is starting to feel totally off.’”
Seligman, who gained recognition for her debut feature “Shiva Baby,” has continued to push boundaries with “Bottoms.” The film’s premise may seem outrageous, but it is rooted in a desire to portray queer experiences authentically. Seligman explained that she and Sennott aimed to create a narrative that reflects the complexities of teenage sexuality, particularly for queer girls. “I just have never seen teen girls lust over other girls,” she noted, highlighting the importance of representing diverse sexual experiences on screen.
The film’s humor is undeniably sharp, with Seligman and Sennott’s comedic sensibilities driving the narrative. Seligman acknowledged that the tone of “Bottoms” was influenced by Sennott’s unique comedic style, which often leans towards the absurd. “Rachel’s style of humor is so absurd and heightened,” Seligman remarked. This collaboration allowed them to explore themes of desire and identity in a way that feels both relatable and entertaining.
One of the standout aspects of “Bottoms” is its unapologetic portrayal of teenage horniness. Seligman expressed her frustration with the lack of representation for queer characters who are allowed to be “horny and selfish.” She believes that queer narratives often shy away from depicting the full spectrum of teenage desires, and she was determined to change that with “Bottoms.” “It felt important to me to want to portray queer teen female characters that have normal, human desires,” she stated.
Casting played a crucial role in bringing “Bottoms” to life. Seligman sought a diverse ensemble that included both established actors and fresh faces. The film features performances from Ayo Edebiri and Rachel Sennott, who have a strong rapport from their previous collaborations. Seligman praised their chemistry, noting that their friendship added depth to their characters. Additionally, the inclusion of actors like Kaia Gerber and Marshawn Lynch brought a unique dynamic to the film, as Seligman aimed to surprise audiences with unexpected casting choices.
The visual style of “Bottoms” also draws inspiration from various cultural references, particularly from the early 2000s. Seligman cited films like “Wet Hot American Summer” and “Bring It On” as significant influences, noting their strong ensemble casts and absurd humor. She aimed to create a similar vibe, blending elements of classic teen comedies with a modern twist. The film’s production design reflects this nostalgia, incorporating visual cues from iconic teen movies while maintaining a fresh perspective.
Seligman’s creative vision extends beyond traditional cinematic influences; she also looked to queer music videos for inspiration. Artists like Hayley Kiyoko and Girl in Red served as touchstones for the film’s aesthetic, as Seligman sought to capture the essence of queer female desire. “There’s such an audience for film that isn’t being served,” she remarked, emphasizing her commitment to creating content that resonates with queer viewers.
As “Bottoms” continues to make waves in theaters, Seligman’s dedication to crafting a queer high school comedy that challenges norms is evident. She is not only creating space for diverse narratives but also redefining what it means to be a flawed female character on screen. “I feel like we’ve watched so many male anti-hero stories, and it’s crazy that in 2023, we’re still so hungry for shitty, flawed women on screen,” she stated, underscoring the need for more complex female characters in contemporary cinema.
In conclusion, Emma Seligman’s “Bottoms” is a bold and refreshing addition to the realm of queer cinema. Through its unique blend of humor, absurdity, and authentic representation, the film invites audiences to embrace the complexities of teenage sexuality. Seligman’s commitment to portraying queer experiences with honesty and humor sets a new standard for the genre, making “Bottoms” a must-see for anyone seeking a fresh take on the teen comedy landscape.
Source: Various
