In the golden era of Hollywood, Rock Hudson stood tall as one of the most celebrated leading men of the 1950s and ’60s. His charming persona and undeniable talent propelled him to become a box-office superstar, earning an Oscar nomination for his role in “Giant,” alongside Elizabeth Taylor and James Dean. However, behind the glitz and glamour, Rock Hudson led a complex double life that is now explored in HBO’s captivating new documentary, “Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed.”
The documentary delves into the carefully manufactured and maintained public persona of Rock Hudson, meticulously crafted by the studio system. While the world adored him as a heartthrob, Hudson harbored a potentially career-ending secret—he privately lived as a gay man. Through interviews with Hudson’s past partners, colleagues, and close friends, “All That Heaven Allowed” sheds light on the hidden aspects of his life, revealing the challenges he faced as a gay individual in an era when being open about one’s sexuality was fraught with peril.
In the recently released trailer, an ex-partner shares a poignant memory, recounting how they were forbidden from having their picture taken together to avoid exposing their homosexuality. The film also chronicles Hudson’s announcement in July 1985 that he had contracted AIDS, a disease that tragically claimed his life at the age of 59 on October 2, 1985. The synopsis of the documentary emphasizes that Hudson’s death served as a wake-up call to the public, catapulting discussions about HIV and AIDS treatment into the mainstream and prompting a broader societal and political reckoning.
Director Stephen Kijak, while recognizing the challenges faced by Hudson, also aims to highlight the actor’s resilience and refusal to frame his life as a tragedy. Kijak explains that Hudson, despite the oppressive social climate, led a vibrant and active gay life while maintaining a facade of carefree heterosexuality. The director believes that Hudson’s story represents a generation that did not consider being an openly gay man as an option or even a desire.
“All That Heaven Allowed” features a remarkable collection of interviews with friends, lovers, and colleagues who played significant roles in Hudson’s life. From pre-Stonewall, pre-gay liberation times to the height of the AIDS crisis, these individuals offer a unique perspective on the evolution of gay culture and society. By presenting Rock Hudson’s life through the lens of these men, the documentary unveils a hidden legacy and recognizes Hudson as a cultural, political, and social catalyst, whose impact may have been overshadowed over time.
As “Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed” prepares to stream in the US later this month, audiences anticipate a thought-provoking journey into the untold story of an iconic Hollywood figure. The Australian release date is yet to be announced, but this documentary promises to shed light on the enigmatic life of Rock Hudson and his lasting impact on LGBTQ+ history.