2017 biographical drama Tom of Finland , directed by Dome Karukoski, is a poignant exploration of the life of Touko Laaksonen, the artist who revolutionized gay iconography. The film follows Laaksonen (played by Pekka Strang) over four decades, from his harrowing service in WWII to his eventual global fame as an icon of gay liberation. Narrative and Themes
The 2017 film Tom of Finland , directed by Dome Karukoski, is a biographical drama that offers a fascinating look into the life of Touko Laaksonen, the man behind the iconic erotic art. Here is some interesting content regarding the film, its subject, and its historical context: 1. The Contrast Between the Man and the Art One of the most compelling aspects of the film is the juxtaposition between Touko Laaksonen (the man) and Tom of Finland (the persona).
The "Double Life": The film highlights the stark duality of his existence. In his daily life, Laaksonen was a quiet, bespectacled, and conservative advertising executive who worked for a multinational company in Helsinki. He was a decorated officer in the Finnish Army. The Fantasy: In his private time, he drew hyper-masculine, muscular, leather-clad men. The film explores how this double life was a survival mechanism during a time when homosexuality was illegal and classified as a mental illness in Finland.
2. Historical Context and PTSD The film begins with Laaksonen’s experience as a soldier during the Continuation War (1941–1944). tom of finland -2017-
Post-War Trauma: Rather than focusing solely on the titillation of his art, the movie grounds his story in the trauma of war. It suggests that his drawings were a way to reclaim the male body. Where he had seen men mutilated and destroyed on the battlefield, he drew men powerful, invulnerable, and thriving. The Uniform Fetish: The film insightfully connects his time in uniform to the aesthetic of his art. It explains the origin of the "Tom of Finland look"—the tight uniforms, the boots, and the masculine posturing—as an evolution of his military experiences.
3. The "Brave New World" of Los Angeles A significant and colorful portion of the film takes place in Los Angeles during the 1970s and 80s.
Culture Shock: The film depicts Laaksonen’s arrival in the US as a revelation. In Finland, he lived in fear of police raids. In California, he found a thriving gay culture that celebrated his work. This shift highlights the geographical disparity in gay rights during that era. The AIDS Crisis: The film does not shy away from the tragedy of the 1980s. It portrays how the AIDS epidemic devastated the community that had embraced him. In a poignant turn, the film shows Laaksonen shifting his artistic focus to safer sex education, drawing characters using condoms at a time when it was a controversial political statement. 2017 biographical drama Tom of Finland , directed
4. The Birth of a Global Icon The movie details the logistical and legal struggles behind the art.
Censorship: Before becoming a celebrated artist, Laaksonen had to smuggle his drawings out of Finland to publishers in the US (such as Physique Pictorial ). The film shows the constant threat of confiscation by customs officers and police. Mainstream Acceptance: By the end of the film and his life, the narrative circles around to his inclusion in major art institutions. The film culminates in the realization that his "pornography" had become high art, influencing fashion (Jean-Paul Gaultier), music (Village People), and pop culture at large.
5. Critical Reception and Style
Visual Aesthetic: Director Dome Karukoski employs a distinct visual style. The film uses a "filmed memory" look—slightly desaturated or sepia-toned in the early years, transitioning to the vibrant, saturated colors of the 70s and 80s California. Interestingly, the film often transitions from live-action scenes into animated versions of Tom’s drawings, blurring the line between reality and Laaksonen’s fantasy world. Praise for the Lead: Pekka Strang’s portrayal of Touko Laaksonen was widely praised. He captures the shy, stuttering gentleman who transforms into a confident figure when discussing or creating his art, all without speaking heavily—much of his performance is conveyed through body language and the "thousand-yard stare" of a war veteran.
6. The Legacy