Gore Vidal (1925-2102)

Of all the people we interviewed for The Celluloid Closet, Gore Vidal had to be one of the most intimidating. In fact, he was completely charming when he came to set. When we thanked him profusely for taking the time to participate in the film, he responded drily, "It was the most I could do."

Gore Vidal with Celluloid Closet producer Michael Lumpkin

Vidal's recollections of layering homoerotic subtext into the swords-and-sandals epic Ben Hur provided one of the film's most delightful and most-discussed highlights. It also sparked a lively debate with Charlton Heston in the LA Times.

We are proud to have had the opportunity to capture a taste of Vidal's wit and charm on film.

Gore Vidal (1925-2102)