Those about to die gay scene
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Whereas Titus is (for the most part) a man of honor and firm principles–though he continues to conduct an affair with the exiled Judaean princess Berenice, all while keeping her people in bondage–Domitian always has his eye on the main chance. Male homosexual relationships were accepted as long as they adhered to specific power dynamics: a free man was expected to take the active role, while the passive partner was often a young slave or a freedman.
It’s a reminder that gay people have every right to inhabit all sorts of roles, both as sinners and saints. The series invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of human relationships and the fluidity of sexuality in one of history’s most influential civilizations. Lest we forget, we live in a world in which queer people are once more faced with persecution, both legal and otherwise.
However, Domitian’s legacy has always been controversial, and much of the information about him comes from hostile sources, often influenced by political and personal biases.
The series succeeds in delivering a compelling narrative of this aspect of Domitian’s life without falling into modern simplifications, instead highlighting the complexities of a society where sexuality was experienced more freely and with fewer rigid categorizations than today.
Homosexuality in Ancient Rome: A Historical Perspective
In Roman society, sexuality was experienced with a fluidity that differs from modern conceptions.
Those About to Die follows the social structure of Rome, where the ruling class, the middle class, and the absolute poor class are present.
In all these classes, there are several achillean and sapphic characters.
When it comes to gay characters, there is a particular trope where creators craft idealized versions of queer people.
Do you like reading fun but insightful takes on all things pop culture? Just as importantly, as I’ve written before, there’s something strangely and intoxicatingly empowering about figures like Domitian. Rather than going the subtextual route as so often been the case, Those About to Die lets Domitian’s freak flag fly.
The closest he comes to any sort of meaningful connection is with his slave boy Hermes.
‘Those About to Die’ Review — Rome’s Overcrowded
Introduction
Stories about ancient Rome have always captivated the masses, and the stories about their gladiators even more. There are a number of paid options, but you can also sign up for free!
In particular, he intervenes at crucial moments in order to keep Domitian from giving in to his darker, more sadistic impulses. It’s clear from the moment we meet him that he’s queer, and not just because he’s snarling and campy; he explicitly has a male lover, the slave boy Hermes (Alessandro Bedetti).
There’s something deliciously decadent about Jojo Macari’s performance in the role.
It’s really kind of amazing.”
Roland Emmerich – ComicbookThe sword fighting might not be Spartacus-level, but Those About to Die delivers enough gore to get a pass. Of course, it’s worth pointing out that he uses this knowledge against his brother as much as he does for him, since he yearns to be the one to sit atop the political hierarchy.
I’ve heard a lot of reviewers say that he’s channeling Joaquin Phoenix from Gladiator, but I think what he’s doing is both more interesting and ultimately more compelling than that. The poet Martial alludes to women who loved other women, often in an erotic or satirical context. Queerness has triumphed, but at a terrible and bloody cost.