Review

Interview: Kimberly Pierce

A literally stunning first film anchored by a magnificent performance from Hilary Swank, Boys Don’t Cry is based on the true story of a young woman named Teena Brandon who cut her hair, changed her garb and swaggered into a new town as a young man named Brandon Teena. Handsome and considerate Brandon knew how to treat the ladies, winning over a local lass, Lana (Chloe Sevigny in a terrific turn). But two of the local lads were anything but dainty with the interloper when the gender jig was up.

In director and co-writer Kimberly Peirce’s capable hands, what could have been an unconvincing or merely sordid exercise is fascinating and finely wrought on every level. Those “But wait a minute, how did he/she get away with it?” questions that weren’t satisfyingly answered in David Cronenberg’s screen adaptation of M. Butterfly are answered with candor in Boys Don’t Cry. An American tragedy built of youthful enthusiasm, gender confusion and the tentacles of blind macho rage, this is a haunting venture that never falters in its assured, unflinching regard for the full range of human motivations under exceptional circumstances.

FilmFestivals.com reporter
Lisa Nesselson