BEETLEJUICE (1988)

Otho, played by gay actor Glenn Shadix, is the Gay Best Friend in Tim Burton’s 1988 film BEETLEJUICE.

BEETLEJUICE

1988. USA.

 Director: Tim Burton

Screenplay: Michael McDowell & Warren Skaaren

 Starring: Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Catherine O'Hara, Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jeffrey Jones, Glenn Shadix, Adelle Lutz, Sylvia Sidney, Robert Goulet & Dick Cavett

After watching BEETLEJUICE, BEETLEJUICE last night I couldn’t help but reflect on the fact that there were no queer characters – unlike the original film, which had Otho Fenlock (Shadix) as Delia Deetz’s (Catherine O'Hara) gay best friend.

Otho is a former paranormal researcher turned interior designer from New York City. He and Delia march through the house the day the Deetz family moves in, determined to obliterate any traces of country living.

With BEETLEJUICE being made in the 1980s, naturally Otho has his share of homophobia to deal with. Though, it doesn’t seem to faze him. That is, until the end of the movie when he shrieks after Betelgeuse turns his all black outfit into a baby-blue leisure suit.

In the past, straight actors often played characters like Otho for laughs. Though, unlike many of his predecessors Otho has a backstory and is present in quite a bit of the movie - likely due to the input of Michael McDowell, one of the film's screenwriters, who was gay himself. Plus, in the hands of a skilled actor like Glenn Shadix, Otho is memorably shady and more than just your average filmic stereotype.

You can find BEETLEJUICE streaming on Crave & Starz (Canada), Hulu (USA), Max (USA/Mexico), NETFLIX & Prime (UK), available for rent/purchase on AppleTV and Amazon, and also on DVD/Blu-ray.