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The Set + introduction by curator Alex Davidson (15*)

Queer 70s

,Cinema 1
A black and white still from The Set, showing a topless man laying in bed with another man laying in his lap.

A naïve young man is chewed up and spat out by Sydney’s high society, participating in an intense fling with another man on his downward spiral. Is he doomed or can he hope for redemption? 

A young designer, Paul (Sean McEuan) has hopes of making it in Syndey’s art world. Adopted as a protégé by a wealthy woman, he struggles to navigate the caustic world of ‘the set’ while discovering his bisexuality after a one-night stand with another man. A more serious affair develops with a closeted, blokey student, Tony (Rod Mullinar), but the relationship turns abusive. Can Paul find happiness in the treacherous world of the set?

The Set is a fascinating, campy curio, made on a shoestring budget. As a snapshot of contemporary Australian attitudes towards queer men, The Set is a valuable time capsule. Although the queer men are, aside from Paul, unsympathetic, the depiction of homosexuality is – relatively – unsensational at a time when gay sex was still illegal in every state and territory in Australia.

Tagged with: Cinema Queer 70s

Please note this film contains outdated depictions of gay and bisexual characters, and references to sexual assault and suicide. 

Film information
  • Release year   1970
  • Country   Australia
  • Director   Frank Brittain
  • Runtime   1hr 42min
‘Impotency, homosexuality, frustration, nymphomania, lesbianism, bedroom antics … you name it … it’s in The Set‘
Melbourne Weekender

Cinema 1

Location
Barbican Cinema 1 is located within the main Barbican building on Level -2. Head to Level G and walk towards the Lakeside Terrace where you’ll find stairs and lifts to take you down to the venue floor.   

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.