Two naked men, ten minutes of tension—Steve McQueen's explosive debut that whispers what others shout.
Bear (10 minutes, 35 seconds) was Steve McQueen's first major film. Although not an overtly political work, for many viewers it raises sensitive issues about race, homoeroticism and violence. It depicts two naked men – one of whom is the artist – tussling and teasing one another in an encounter which shifts between tenderness and aggression. The film is silent but a series of stares, glances and winks between the protagonists creates an optical language of flirtation and threat.
Direction
McQueen's static camera turns bodies into landscapes of threat and desire.
Cinematography
Black-and-white film stock makes skin glow like marble under pressure.
Director
Steve McQueen
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
GB
