/* Button Overrides to fix text colors */ .btn, .btn-danger, .btn-outline-light { color: white !important; text-decoration: none !important; } .btn i, .btn-danger i, .btn-outline-light i { color: inherit !important; } .hero-content .btn, .hero-content a.btn, .hero-content button.btn { color: white !important; } /* Cast Section Styling */ .cast-card-link { text-decoration: none !important; color: white !important; transition: transform 0.3s ease; display: block; } .cast-card { transition: all 0.3s ease; border: none; overflow: hidden; box-shadow: 0 5px 15px rgba(0,0,0,0.2); border-radius: 10px; height: 100%; } .cast-card:hover { transform: translateY(-8px); box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(229, 9, 20, 0.3); } .cast-img { height: 240px; object-fit: cover; transition: transform 0.5s ease; } .cast-card:hover .cast-img { transform: scale(1.1); } .cast-placeholder { height: 240px; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; background: linear-gradient(145deg, #333, #222); } .character-prefix { opacity: 0.7; font-style: italic; margin-right: 2px; } .cast-scroll { padding: 10px 5px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: #444 #222; } .cast-scroll::-webkit-scrollbar { height: 8px; } .cast-scroll::-webkit-scrollbar-track { background: #222; border-radius: 10px; } .cast-scroll::-webkit-scrollbar-thumb { background: #444; border-radius: 10px; } .cast-scroll::-webkit-scrollbar-thumb:hover { background: #e50914; } .view-all-cast { font-size: 0.9rem; padding: 5px 12px; border-radius: 20px; transition: all 0.3s ease; } .view-all-cast:hover { background-color: #e50914; border-color: #e50914; } .cast-overlay { position: absolute; bottom: 0; left: 0; right: 0; height: 0; background: linear-gradient(to top, rgba(0,0,0,0.8) 0%, rgba(0,0,0,0) 100%); display: flex; align-items: flex-end; justify-content: center; padding-bottom: 12px; overflow: hidden; transition: height 0.3s ease; } .cast-card:hover .cast-overlay { height: 80px; } .view-profile-btn { font-size: 0.85rem; font-weight: 500; background-color: rgba(229, 9, 20, 0.8); color: white; padding: 5px 10px; border-radius: 20px; opacity: 0; transform: translateY(20px); transition: all 0.3s ease 0.1s; } .cast-card:hover .view-profile-btn { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0); } /* Movie Hero Section */ .movie-hero { position: relative; background-size: cover; background-position: center; min-height: 500px; display: flex; align-items: flex-end; } /* Ensure all text is visible on dark background */ .container, .card-body, .card-text, h1, h2, h3, h4, h5, h6, p, .small, .text-muted { color: #fff !important; } .text-muted { color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7) !important; } /* Cast section specific styling */ .card-title, .card-text { color: #fff !important; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); } .card { background-color: rgba(33, 37, 41, 0.8) !important; } /* Link styling */ a { color: #e50914 !important; } a:hover { color: #ff3d46 !important; text-decoration: none; } /* Exception for buttons and special links */ a.btn, .btn a, a.text-white, a .text-white, .hero-content a { color: #fff !important; } /* Review section */ .review-form { background-color: rgba(33, 37, 41, 0.8); padding: 20px; border-radius: 5px; } .movie-hero .overlay { background: linear-gradient(to top, rgba(0,0,0,0.9), rgba(0,0,0,0.1)); width: 100%; padding: 60px; } .movie-hero-wrapper { position: relative; width: 100vw; height: auto; aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; overflow: hidden; background: #000; } /* Background Image Effects */ .movie-hero-bg { position: absolute; inset: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; opacity: 0; filter: blur(20px); transition: opacity 2.2s ease, filter 2.2s ease; z-index: 0; } .movie-hero-bg.loaded { opacity: 1; filter: blur(0); } .movie-hero-overlay { z-index: 1; background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); backdrop-filter: blur(3px); } .hero-overlay { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; background: linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(0,0,0,0.65), rgba(0,0,0,0.85)); z-index: 1; pointer-events: none; /* Ensures the overlay doesn't interfere with clicks */ } .hero-content { z-index: 2; position: relative; /* Ensures content is above the overlay */ } /* Hero content specific styling */ .hero-content .display-4 { font-weight: 700; color: #fff; letter-spacing: -0.5px; } .hero-content .lead { font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.7; } .hero-content .badge { font-weight: 500; } .hero-btn { box-shadow: 0 4px 15px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4); transition: all 0.3s ease; color: white !important; } .hero-btn:hover { transform: translateY(-2px); box-shadow: 0 6px 20px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); } .hero-btn i { color: white !important; } .btn-danger { color: white !important; } .btn-danger i { color: white !important; } /* Backdrop Effects */ .backdrop-wrapper { position: absolute; inset: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; overflow: hidden; z-index: 0; } .backdrop-blur, .backdrop-full { position: absolute; inset: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; display: block; } .backdrop-blur { filter: blur(20px); transform: scale(1.05); transition: opacity 1s ease; z-index: 0; } .backdrop-full { opacity: 0; transition: opacity 1.5s ease; z-index: 1; } .backdrop-full.loaded { opacity: 1; } /* Scrolling Wrapper */ .scrolling-wrapper { scroll-snap-type: x mandatory; -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; } .scrolling-wrapper > .card { scroll-snap-align: start; } /* Section Styling */ section.bg-dark, section.bg-black { border-top: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.1); } /* Text Effects */ .text-shadow { text-shadow: 1px 1px 5px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; } h1, .movie-title, .movie-hero h1 { text-shadow: 2px 2px 4px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); } .text-shadow-strong { text-shadow: 2px 2px 8px rgba(0, 0, 0, 1) !important; } /* Badge Styling */ .badge.rounded-pill { font-size: 0.9rem; padding: 0.6em 1em; transition: background-color 0.2s; } .badge.rounded-pill:hover { background-color: #e50914; color: #fff; } /* YouTube Effects */ .youtube-backdrop { opacity: 0; transition: opacity 0.3s ease-in-out; } Skip to content
Backdrop preview Idol backdrop
Idol

Idol (2006)

Jun 08, 2006

Farce about the casting of a gay actor in a gay role on a television series which had previously been played by a straight man. When the original star of a fictional gay-themed action series called "Espionage" unexpectedly dies, network executives go looking for a new actor. They cast Kerry Mitchell (Scott Victor Nelson), unknown, but also openly gay. They spin the idea of an openly gay actor playing a gay role is something new and refreshing. As Kerry gets prepared for the media onslaught, he is also hiding something which could ruin everything! Also starring Matthew Jett Schaefer and Gabrielle Docktor in this independent "mocumentary" style film co-written and co-directed by Mike Heim and Christopher Long.

Directed by Christopher Long

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Christopher Long
  • Mike Heim
Writer
  • Mike Heim
  • Dane Hanson

Reviews

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Thematic Analysis

Idol represents a fascinating example of cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Christopher Long brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2006, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Idol took approximately 15 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • The musical score contains over 60 unique compositions.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.

Historical Context

  • In 2006, when this film is released:
  • Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
  • Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
  • Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.

How This Film Stands Out

While Idol shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Election, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Idol subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Celebrity and Infamous explore similar territory, Idol stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: June 8, 2006

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