Director: Kimberly Peirce
Starring: Hilary Swank,Chloe Sevigny,Peter Sarsgaard
Let me put it simply: “Boys Don’t Cry” is an awesome movie. I guarantee that it’s not like anything you’ve ever seen before, which is what makes it so brilliant. Anybody who tells you that it’s just a chick flick, or that it’s just about lesbians, or that it’s boring has obviously not bothered to watch the movie. Director Kimberly Peirce does a wonderful job with the film. She combines a compelling plot with life like cinematography and a killer soundtrack to make a powerful film that leaves the audience speechless.
Based on a true story, the film is about Teena Brandon (Hilary Swank), a girl who has lived most of her life as a boy named Brandon Teena. Every morning, she wraps her breasts with an ace bandage, stuffs a sock into her pants, and sets out to pick up girls at the local bar. One night, Brandon’s escapades lead him to Falls City, a godforsaken town in Nebraska, where he meets Lana Tisdel. He is so taken with Lana that even though he planned on heading to Memphis, he stays and is quickly accepted by her friends. Most of the movie explores Lana’s relationship with Brandon, as well as Brandon’s relationship with her abusive ex boyfriend and his cronies. It all culminates when all of his friends, including Lana, find out who he really is.
Unlike many mainstream directors and writers, Peirce takes the time to really explore the characters, and through Brandon’s eyes, the plot unfolds magnificently. Everything about these characters’ lives is fascinating, and the audience becomes completely engrossed in their story. Peirce’s candid and engaging script transports the audience to Falls City, and we are forced to deal with Brandon’s tragic reality as if it were our own. And believe me, by the end of the movie, Brandon’s struggle becomes so real, it’s hard to separate yourself from his world, even hours after you’ve left the movie theater.
Another fascinating thing about this movie is Hilary Swank’s remarkable performance. She takes the wonderfully complicated script and runs away with it, putting just the right amount of earnestness, humanity and desperation into Brandon. The audience can see the confusion she feels just by looking at her, and she looks completely comfortable in the role. She completely commits to the character, and puts her heart and soul into the role.
Yet another added bonus in “Boys” is the really cool cinematography. Different from the glossiness of most Hollywood films, the film is a gritty view of Brandon’s world that appears more like a home video than a soap opera. What results is a realistic view of this amazing story.
However, as much as I think everybody in the world should see this movie, I must warn you – “Boys Don’t Cry” is not for the faint-hearted. There are quite a few violent scenes, especially toward the end of the movie, that will torment you for days. Peirce shies away from nothing, using film to her advantage, which leaves us with not only a beautiful film, but also a disturbing film that is brutally real. You’ll be moved, amazed and intrigued. Although tragic, Brandon’s story is one that must be told and “Boys Don’t Cry” is a must see.
