October 11, 2009

The Tin Man has always been my favorite fictional character. I never made sense of that love for he of funnel hat and silver paint until tonight. I just loved him. Always did as a child. That's all I knew. I had no reason.

Tonight I gathered with some of my favorite people in New York. I made guacamole and cut vegetables and poured wine. And we watched the Wizard of Oz on Blue Ray. 70th anniversary edition of the film. It was beautifully restored. A gorgeous treat. A colorful stroll down memory lane.

Georgi shushed me repeatedly. I just could not be quiet though. Too excited. Enamored by Garland's perfect face full of lips, eyes, and that nose. And about the one liners. "Only bad witches are ugly." Exactly. The flying monkeys had mohawks. The munchkins' costumes were brilliant colors. The scarecrow and lion were funny.

And the Tin Man. He was so gay I could not believe it. We all cackled when he appeared. He lisped a bit. Effeminate voice. Perfect make-up.

Even as a small child I must have related. His eyes were silver blue. They look like my own. How did I not know the Tin Man was so gay? Watching this film, some two decades later, I realized my fascination with this tin woodsman. I saw myself in him. Blue eyed. Gay as can be. Longing for a beating heart.