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AE: How do you respond to all this controversy about Shortbus. Is it really the most graphic sex film ever?
JCM: It's not really the most graphic sex movie ever by any means. The sex is graphic, but so is the love. What I disapprove of is when people label it as “porn” because they think it's “graphic.” American's views are very limited. They think sex on film is automatically explicit porn. To me, porn is made for arousal. That's the primary purpose. That's why people watch. And nobody I've heard of has been aroused by Shortbus. If they are, that's fine. But that's way down the list of emotions we wanted to stir. It's a movie about character, intellectual themes, politics, comedy, and it's all mixed up in sex.

AE: But it is a film about sex?
JCM: Sex will be on everyone's mind first, as it is in their lives. But everyone says that after the movie, sex is the last thing you think about.

AE: How come there are no big stars in the film?
JCM: A big name doesn't necessarily mean big talent. They also don't get back to you for three months! It's more relaxing working with friends. You have time to rehearse off and on for two and a half years which is what we did. You're not worried so much about the sex scenes. Half the people were already friends. The other half became part of the group. Most actors are afraid to play gay, do this, do that, have sex on screen. They think everything they do is a career “move”. They don't think about what a career really is though.

AE: Did you do research into the underbelly of sexual activity? Like with the dominatrix?
JCM: That character is the most out of the realm of my experience. She just has a corner of the film. Most of the movie takes place in and around the salon. Since Giuliani f***ed up the night life in New York, everyone is bringing the party to their homes. They're called salons. That's my life, and most of the people are friends of mine. Some of them, well the ones I hang out with, are more queer. They're weekly parties. There's even one that is a cine-salon. You show movies and have sex later on if you want. It's a very humane way of gathering, and much friendlier than a bar.

AE: Is it hard directing sex scenes?
JCM: Sometimes. With actors there are tensions that come up. It varies--some of them are very comfortable with it. Trust me, there's nothing particularly erotic about it. It's kind of nerve wracking for everybody. But a lot of us have worked together for years. And we had plenty of discussions and rehearsals beforehand.

AE: How come you didn't act in Shortbus?
JCM: It wasn't fun to direct myself (in Hedwig). Too many things to do.  I haven't had much interest in acting since then. But I have a cameo in Shortbus doing something I've never done before.

(That something John does is haves sex with a woman.)

AE: Do you think Hollywood looks at you differently because you are gay?
JCM: I don't know if I can answer this. I don't see prejudice against gay people in the business except for actors. Nobody cares that Gus Van Sant or Bryan Singer are gay. But actors have this internalized homophobia. And people support it by saying they can't be gay and play straight. I beg to differ.

If you look at the box office of an openly gay star like Ian McKellen compared to ***** ******, you see a wide divide. Stars are not about acting talent. Stars are people that others want to f*** them or be them. It's a weird thing to base a career on. It sounds like prostitution, and it doesn't have a long shelf life. If some of these people came out, I bet even more women would want to f*** you than before.

It would be an experiment for someone like Tom Cruise to come out. Let's say he'd lose his Mission Impossible popularity, but he might be a more respected actor. It would be less of people wanting to f*** him, and more wanting to see him tell a story. The more honest you are, the more respect you'll get from the audience. Look at Phillip Seymour Hoffman. He does everything. He's the salt of the earth, and everyone wants to work with him. He's real.

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