Episode 36: Boys Don’t Cry
Justin:
I understand this might not be the biggest compliment in the world, but the word that crosses my mind when I think about BOYS DON’T CRY is “important.” I don’t think it’s an especially good movie, though it is well acted and creatively directed. But beyond all of that, I think the biggest value this movie brings is the chance for conversations to happen about the trans experience and the crippling power of bigotry and hate in our world. It’s incredibly frustrating to watch ignorant, angry people take their fear of that which is different and take it out on those just trying to be themselves - and that of course goes for both real life and throughout the runtime of Kimberly Peirce’s film. It’s my hope that those who see this movie follow up that viewing with seeking out information about not just Brandon’s life, but living trans folks and figure out how to help make their experience on this planet better. It seems simple but as we know, it’s definitely not.
So to sum all that up - is BOYS DON’T CRY a great movie, an all-timer that belongs alongside the best movies that have ever been made? Definitely not. But it is an important one because of the potential it carries to cause folks to move closer to a position of being an ally, as well as serving as some form of representation on the big screen for the trans community? I think so. And because of that, I would say it’s close to required viewing, especially for those who it might be helpful to, in one way or another.
