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Poster Photo Fox Searchlight
If you didn’t love Hillary Swank after “Million Dollar Baby,” "Boys Don't Cry" is the film that will change your heart. Based on the real-life experience of Brandon Teena, this feature length independent film was work shopped at the Sundance Institute Director’s Lab in 1999.
Director Kimberly Peirce chose a difficult story for her debut feature film. Brandon is experiencing a “sexual identity crisis” and is a woman dressed as a man, complete with dildo. Brandon (Swank) is damn convincing. For his sexuality Brandon has been ostracized by his immediate family and commits a number of petty crimes to survive.
During a bar fight and chase, Brandon finds allies in two strangers: Candace (Alicia Goranson) and John Lotter (Peter Sarsgaard). They take Brandon to Falls City it is in this tiny, rural town Brandon immediately finds a home with his new friends. He is accepted for his gender choice and no one questions his masculinity. He even finds himself in a relationship with Candance’s sister, Lana (Chloe Sevigny).
Swank and Sevigny are an amazing duo. Both actresses fully become their characters in a way I’ve rarely seen. The chemistry between Brandon and Lana gives rise to a believable and beautiful love story. The story is incredible in its beauty and cruelty.
The lighting and color in this film were fun and eclectic. Although there were moments that felt like a dizzying acid trip, it worked within the context of the story as nearly everyone was in a state of permanent hallucination. Some people may say the film is heavy handed, but the cinematography is so interesting I didn’t mind the smashing metaphor.
“Boys Don’t Cry” is an incredible film and one that everyone should watch.
For the trailer, click here.
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