This film is part of Rentals

This film is certified

I confirm I am over 18

Title of error

Caught Looking

Years before Grindr, a gay man turns to virtual reality to satisfy his sexual fantasies in this strangely prophetic short film.

Drama 1991 35 mins

Director: Constantine Giannaris

Rent for £1.00

Overview

Caught Looking sees a lonely gay man attempt to explore his sexual fantasies with the help of an interactive computer game, guiding his virtual reality persona through a series of potential encounters (a naval rough trade, a moustachioed ‘clone’, a retro ’50s muscle men) while offering wry commentary on the shifting landscape of queer cruising. But is it love he’s really looking for?

The film is suffused with nostalgia for a disappearing way of life. It’s also years ahead of its time in anticipating the internet chat rooms and dating sites which transformed the gay scene – and the fickle ‘instant hook-up’ apps that have defined the smartphone generation. It won the Teddy Award for best short film at the 1992 Berlin Film Festival.

Director

Constantine Giannaris

Featuring

Louis Selwyn and Bette Bourne

Genres

Drama

Certificate

Country

United Kingdom

Language

No Dialogue with English subtitles

Accessibility

Rent for £16.00

Small Things Like These Small Things Like These

Drama 2024 99 mins

Oscar-winner Cillian Murphy delivers a stunning performance as a coal merchant who discovers horrific secrets about his local convent.

Rent for £4.50

Only the River Flows Only the River Flows

Crime 2023 102 mins Director: Shujun Wei

Shujun Wei's slow-burn noir draws us inexorably into its mysterious psychological journey.

Rent for £4.50

The Critic The Critic

Period drama 2023 101 mins Director: Anand Tucker

Ian McKellen is in delicious form as London's most vicious critic, who strikes a Faustian pact with a struggling actor (Gemma Arterton).

Rent for £2.50

Special People Special People

Comedy 2008 74 mins Director: Justin Edgar

Justin Edgar's pioneering feature comedy about a neurotic filmmaker enlisted to make a film with a class of wheelchair-users.

Rent for £10.00

The Goldman Case The Goldman Case

Drama 2023 116 mins Director: Cédric Kahn

Gripping courtroom drama based on the explosive 1976 murder trial of French political activist, Pierre Goldman.

Rent for £4.50

In Camera In Camera

Drama 2024 95 mins Director: Naqqash Khalid

A struggling actor faces relentless knockbacks in Naqqash Khalid’s sharp-witted comment on race and identity in the film industry.

Currently unavailable

Dream A40 Dream A40

Drama 1965 16 mins Director: Lloyd Reckord

A young gay couple’s relationship is put to the test as a road trip takes a sinister turn in Lloyd Reckord's daring underground short.

Subscribe to watch

Nighthawks Nighthawks

Drama 1978 113 mins Director: Ron Peck

A schoolteacher juggles everyday life with nights spent cruising for Mr Right in this fascinating landmark in British gay cinema

Currently unavailable

Relax Relax

Drama 1991 22 mins Director: Christopher Newby

A gay man awaits the results of an HIV test, drifting into moments of fantasy as he copes with his fears and memories.

Subscribe to watch

Rosebud Rosebud

Drama 1991 14 mins Director: Cheryl Farthing

A lesbian couple arouse the interest of their new neighbour in this erotic tale of voyeurism, power dressing and fantasy.

Subscribe to watch

Young Soul Rebels Young Soul Rebels

Drama 1991 105 mins Director: Isaac Julien

The Queen's Silver Jubilee beats to the sounds of Funkadelic, Sylvester and the O'Jays in Isaac Julien’s feature debut.

Subscribe to watch

Pink Narcissus Pink Narcissus

Fantasy 1971 65 mins Director: James Bidgood

With its highly charged hallucinogenic quality, its atmosphere of lush decadence, and its explicit erotic power, Pink Narcissus is a landmark of gay cinema.