‘Maurice’ Was Hugh Grant’s Heartfelt Queer Love Story Before He Became Famous
Hugh Grant is at a point in his career where he is not as interested in romantic roles. It’s simple to forget his tenure as the king of romantic comedies, as he is now acclaimed as a brilliant character actor and endearing outlaw in movies like ‘Paddington 2’ and ‘Heretic’. For those who appreciate his floppy-haired appeal and are curious about how his career got off, ‘Maurice’ provides an intriguing look. Grant’s film career was established by this historic homosexual picture, which also presented a novel depiction of homosexual love.
James Wilby plays the title role in ‘Maurice’, while Grant portrays Clive, his college buddy who later becomes his lover. In a society that is anti-homosexual, their love must be concealed in Britain in the early 1900s. When a friend is jailed for being homosexual, their covert relationship is destroyed, and Clive withdraws into a “safe” marriage. Heartbroken, Maurice finally finds himself attracted to Clive’s estate’s gardener, Alec (Rupert Graves). Despite his initial resistance, Alec’s daring approaches eventually win Maurice over, allowing for a more emotional existence and renewed love.
Image Courtesy: IMDb
‘Maurice’ was groundbreaking for its candid depiction of physical desire and the dangers of being publicly homosexual, although being mild by today’s standards. When it was released in 1987, during the height of the AIDS epidemic, it sent a strong message of optimism, demonstrating to gay men that happiness and love were possible in spite of social norms. The movie captures both transient pleasures and the excitement of connection by striking a balance between the strain of forbidden romance and the blissful moments of childhood.
Grant does a charming yet tragic job portraying Clive. Maurice’s path to self-acceptance stands in stark contrast to his character’s choice to live according to social norms. Grant’s portrayal demonstrates his early talent for giving characters a blend of wit, charm, and emotional nuance. ‘Maurice’ lays the groundwork for Grant’s long career, whereas Clive’s decisions result in a life of regret.
–Farheen Ali
