Based on an infamous incident in middle America, it charts the metamorphosis of teenage girl Teena Marie Brandon into teenage boy Brandon Teena. Teena’d never felt right as a girl so she made the necessary (temporary) physical adjustments to turn herself into the boy that she felt she truly was. Starting a new life in a different town she was accepted as a he – hanging out with the guys and having a girlfriend. Until one day Brandon’s secret was discovered.Raising issues of class, gender, and sexuality, Peirce’s powerful film explores the fear and hatred unleashed when ‘natural’ laws are broken. With its restless camerawork and especially its amazing performances, the film is an emotional, sometimes harrowing experience but ultimately a highly rewarding one.
Boys Don’t Cry
Directed by Kimberly Peirce