BOYS DON'T CRY
Rated R - Running Time: 1:58 - Released 10/22/99
While the antihero is a popular theme for motion picture drama
in this country (Americans love an underdog), there is some ground
on which even movie producers usually fear to tread. One such
subject is what some might call "sexual perversity";
that a person might choose not to follow the traditional path
dictated by society for members of his or her sex is extremely
upsetting to many people. Boys Don't Cry is a story about
a young Nebraska woman who was uncomfortable with the gender role
she was expected to play, and therefore attempted to make a way
for herself in the sexual and societal arenas masquerading as
a man. It is a testament to the courage of writer/director Kimberly
Peirce, co-writer Andy Bienen, and leading actors Hilary Swank
and Chloë Sevigny that they would not only attempt to tell
this tragic, true story, but would tell it with such honesty and
truth. Although the subject matter, and graphic way in which it
is portrayed, may be profoundly disturbing to some, the performances
by Swank and Sevigny are incredibly real and heartfelt, and the
honesty of the script and direction impeccable.
Brandon Teena (Swank), as we learn early on, is actually Teena
Brandon, a young woman who, for whatever reason, feels more comfortable
in society as a male. Adopting a short, neat haircut and stuffing
a sock in her blue jeans, she leaves her hometown of Lincoln,
Nebraska, just before her 21st birthday in 1993, and travels to
Falls City, an ultra-conservative town where she knows sexual
ambiguity is not accepted. As a young man, however, Brandon jumps
into the world of testosterone with both feet, drinking, driving,
"bumper skiing," and meeting some friends who seem to
accept him as what he wants to be. Good-old-boys John (Peter Sarsgaard)
and Tom (Brendan Sexton III) are both ex-cons who seem to live
on beer and pot, and Kate (Alison Folland) and Candace (Alicia
Goranson) are their female counterparts. But the one who really
catches Brandon's eye is Lana Tisdal (Sevigny), an attractive
girl who is currently dating John. As Brandon becomes one of the
group, and he and Lana grow closer together, there soon emerges
the real possibility that his dreadful secret is going to be discovered.
How he handles this situation with Lana is difficult enough, but
beyond that is the real danger of John, Tom, and Lana's mother
(Jeanetta Arnette), with their homophobic sensibilities and beer-fueled
impulses.
Regardless of one's attitude regarding transgender experimentation,
one can imagine how difficult it would be to play such a part
as Brandon, all the more so because of the fact that the person
actually lived. Swank portrays this character with the kind of
honesty that forces us to like Brandon, even if we can't always
understand his desires or intentions. On the surface, as Brandon's
secret is discovered, it seems a logical solution for him to just
leave town and escape the circumstances, but Swank shows us how
love can complicate such simple answers; this was never really
an option. Just as remarkable is Sevigny as Lana, a girl who must
make the kind of unpleasant choices between love, family, and
social acceptance that most of us are glad we are never in a position
to contemplate. The film's closing credits note thanks to the
real Lana Tisdal, who must have aided the producers in telling
the story. Again, this shows great courage; many might have chosen
to distance themselves from such an experience, but Tisdal saw
the need for this story to be told and put herself in a possibly
unflattering light to do so.
Boys Don't Cry is a deeply disturbing look at the unfriendly way in which sexual irregularity is seen by a large portion of the public; originally rated NC-17, it was reportedly cut to achieve a tamer and more revenue-producing R rating. Still, potential viewers should note, it does contain graphic sexuality and brutality, and is not for the squeamish. Whatever one's feelings may be on the subject matter, however, there is no doubt that Swank and Sevigny (who were both nominated for Oscars for their astounding, honest acting), with the help of Peirce, Bienen, and their supporting cast, have approached this subject with truth and respect. ****½