Boys Don’t Cry
Directed by Kimberly Peirce.
Boys Don’t Cry is the sad true story of a woman who passed for a man and won everybody’s hearts doing it. Teena Brandon (Hilary Swank) flees the small town she lives in to be able to become Brandon Teena, without anyone knowing her true identity. With his charming innocence Brandon manages to capture the attention of Lana (Chloe Sevigny), a young woman who wants to get out of town. Brandon and Lana are happy in love until their lives spin out of control when Lana’s violent friend John (Peter Sarsgaard) unravels Brandon’s double identity.
This is such a strong film. It is not just a beautiful love story but a story of identity, of fear of the unknown, of the implications of class and gender on the lives of young people in a small town. Hilary Swank is mesmerising as Brandon. She won a well-deserved Academy Award for her performance. Chloe Sevigny as Lana and the other supporting actors all do a fabulous job. Not one scene is wasted in the hands of co-writer/director Kimberly Peirce hands. She dares to go close up when it is needed, but also has the ability to step back and let the dynamics between the characters speak for itself.
I cannot remember ever seeing a film depict class in such a true and sympathetic way as this film does. Despite its particularity it speaks to all of us. Swank says: “we’re all trying to find our way in life and figure out who we are, what we want and how to be accepted”. At best, this film will open your eyes to your own way of dealing with life. At worst, it will give you two hours of well-structured entertainment. Whichever one applies to you, Boys Don’t Cry is a must-see!
Sol
