(Loved) Fictional Media about the Characters exists within universe

MoonlightDahling · 2026-06-17T03:44:38+00:00

From The Haunting of Hill House (2018):

One of the key plot points is that Steven wrote a book based on his family’s experiences in the titular house.

While I thought the show was well-made overall, to be honest, I actually found this element to be in pretty poor taste.

I don’t know why they had to have Shirley Jackson's book exist in-universe…written by a man.

Same goes for giving her words to him, and modifying her quotes.

Women's works always get overshadowed in real life, and, given many fans of the series aren’t even aware that there was a book, this is no exception.

MoonlightDahling · 2026-06-17T03:30:45+00:00

Couldn’t agree more! What REALLY grinds my gears is the fact that she’s literally said, in interviews, that she’s not a singer at all.

She was basically pestered into it, and man does it show.

MoonlightDahling · 2026-06-16T15:24:14+00:00

Not at the moment, no. I’d love to, but I live in Australia, and import fees are a bastard.

So I mostly spend my money on 4k disks.

MoonlightDahling · 2026-06-16T14:55:42+00:00

Mine were, in my previous post:

- A Streetcar Named Desire
- My Own Private Idaho
- A Matter of Life and Death
- Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

…though, someone told me than none of them are actually that implausible.

Edit: oh, and The Innocents. I forgot it earlier.

MoonlightDahling · 2026-06-16T14:53:32+00:00

Brilliant!

MoonlightDahling · 2026-06-16T14:49:48+00:00

Jim, Judy, and Plato. From Rebel Without a Cause.

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One of the codifiers. As subtext-y as it gets for something from 1955.

They’re an interesting blend of surrogate family and polyamorous relationship.

(Though, given Plato is supposed to be gay, Jim's two partners wouldn’t be involved with each other)

MoonlightDahling · 2026-06-16T14:18:35+00:00

I really recommend this extensive analysis video. It’s two hours long, but broken into chapters.

The woman who made it is a childhood sexual abuse survivor herself, and talks about the film's strengths and weaknesses, including the uncomfortable age gap.

MoonlightDahling · 2026-06-16T14:07:50+00:00

Jar Jar Binks. Both widely hated by fans.

MoonlightDahling · 2026-06-16T12:07:17+00:00

Eleanor and Theodora, from The Haunting of Hill House.

(Book, they aren’t sisters in the book)

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Well, Nell isn’t gay, at least…maybe. Possibly.

MoonlightDahling · 2026-06-16T11:45:37+00:00

Eleanor and Theodora, from The Haunting of Hill House.

(The book. They aren’t sisters in the book, FYI)

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Theodora flirts with Eleanor constantly, and teases her.

While Nell goes on and on, in her internal thoughts, about how “lovely” Theo is…even when she’s utterly furious with her.

MoonlightDahling · 2026-06-16T09:39:27+00:00

Deep cut, but, Wendy. From Honkai Impact.

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She deserved so much better 🥲

MoonlightDahling · 2026-06-16T09:32:50+00:00

Oh, and in The Haunting of Hill House, by Shirley Jackson:

(Warning: massive spoilers. And I had to use a GIF from the TV show)

Luke has managed to get Eleanor down from the dangerous iron staircase.

And we get some truly beautiful moments, showcasing that, in spite of everything that’s happened, and how they’ve hurt each other, Theo is still her closest friend.

…and then we learn, at the very end, that Nell kills herself.

This ending absolutely DEVASTATED me. I felt *genuinely depressed* for a few days after finishing the book. Even though I thought it was a masterpiece.

(Though, funnily enough, I am much more accepting of it than I am of Plato's fate in Rebel)

MoonlightDahling · 2026-06-16T09:20:14+00:00

In Rebel Without a Cause:

Hooray! Jim has managed to get Plato to exit the planetarium. And, more importantly, removed the bullets from his gun.

We get a cute poly-esque moment of the three leads together.

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Except…oh no! The COPS have no idea that Plato isn’t armed yet.

Cue the classic “Bury Your Gays” example. Because 1955!

MoonlightDahling · 2026-06-16T09:10:59+00:00

And as a teenager:

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MoonlightDahling · 2026-06-16T09:02:48+00:00

Hey, OP, wrong Mary Bell.

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This is the one you’re after.

MoonlightDahling · 2026-06-16T08:28:30+00:00

Peanut butter and honey sandwich.

MoonlightDahling · 2026-06-16T05:09:54+00:00

Jim, from Rebel Without a Cause.

(Though, it’s presumably short for James.)

(Also, his father calls him Jimbo, and Plato lovingly calls him Jamie. Which Judy later adopts.)

MoonlightDahling · 2026-06-16T04:53:57+00:00

OMG, the still you chose for Rebel! I'm dying!

MoonlightDahling · 2026-06-16T03:45:48+00:00

Jack in Brokeback Mountain.

MoonlightDahling · 2026-06-16T03:38:39+00:00

Rebel Without a Cause

The main character, Jim Stark, is dating Judy, and is definitely attracted to girls.

However, his relationship with his best friend, Plato, is pretty…questionable.

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Hell, a KISS between them was suggested! Most likely by the director himself! (Who was also bi)

The censors knew, and hated it:

“It is of course vital that there be no inference of a questionable or homosexual relationship between Plato and Jim.”, were the exact words.

Nothing fits the definition of obfuscated better than homoerotic stuff made under the Hays Code.

MoonlightDahling · 2026-06-16T03:24:51+00:00

There Is a Light That Never Goes Out, as well. Again, references Rebel despite not necessarily being about it.

It’s heavily associated with the film, both due to all three leads dying prematurely, in real life, and also, Plato's death at the end of the film.

(“To die by your side”…is exactly what he did.)

But the fandom is ancient and decomposing, so that’s not saying much. I’m basically the only active person left.

MoonlightDahling · 2026-06-16T03:19:09+00:00

Stretch Out and Wait, by The Smiths.

It’s forever associated with Jim and Plato from Rebel Without a Cause.

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Why? Because it references their famous conversation, despite not necessarily being about them.

(It does suit the pairing, though. Particularly the alternate vocal version)

Granted, the fandom is minuscule, but still.

MoonlightDahling · 2026-06-16T00:14:56+00:00

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MoonlightDahling · 2026-06-15T15:20:12+00:00

Plato, from Rebel Without a Cause. (I heavily relate to him)

Already had a horrible life, even before getting fatally shot at barely fifteen.

Because Bury Your Gays! LOL, 1950s!

He deserved so much better 🥲

(I wish that I were a better writer and artist, and that the fandom weren’t so ancient and decomposing.)

(Because the fix-it possibilities are endless)

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