 Susie Bright described some of the specifically lesbian themes of the film . One is the concept of the hand as a sex organ , highlighted by lingering camera shots of Corky and Violet 's hands . Another is the repeated use of water as a symbolic motif to represent women , present for example when Corky is retrieving Violet 's earring from the sink . Bright describes it as a movie that is " wet " ( feminine ) as opposed to " hard " ( masculine ) . She says the scene where Corky and Violet have their first conversation is full of " lesbian signs " . She highlights the fact that Violet , away from Caesar , is wearing jeans and able to be less overtly feminine . Jennifer Tilly says that whenever Violet is talking to men , her voice becomes high @-@ pitched and " girly " — making her seem vulnerable and ensuring she is taken care of . Joe Pantoliano agrees , saying that the result is that " everyone in the film wants to be with Violet " . When she is with Corky , Violet can drop the act and talk at a more natural pitch . According to Bright , the more subtle lesbian themes of the film were noticed and appreciated at the LGBT film festival screenings . 
