Boys Don't Cry

Starring: Hillary Swank, Chole Sevigny, Peter Sarsgaard, Brendan Sexton, Alicia Gorenson

Directed by Kimberly Pierce

Written by Kimberly Pierce, Andy Bienan

Music by Nathan Larsen

Cinematography by Jim Denault

Seldom has a limited budget, independent film with such a controversial topic captured the attention of the general film going audience and evoked serious consideration from the Academy. There are two reasons for this. "Boys Don't Cry" contains a brilliant, memorable performance by Hillary Swank and a direct yet sensitive approach by director Kimberly Pierce.

In 1993, Teena Brandon moved from her hometown of Lincoln, Nebraska to Falls City, some 75 miles away. There she chose to live her life as a man, calling herself Brandon Teena. In the beginning, Brandon was accepted and well liked by everyone in this small Nebraska town, including the beer drinking low life red necks that she associated with. She fell in love with Lana, one of the group, and when it was discovered that Brandon was, in reality, Teena, she was brutally raped and murdered. "Boys Don't Cry" is based on this true story.

Director Pierce wisely avoids the "boy trapped in a woman's body" crap and zeros in on the true character of young Brandon. In seeking the truth about the main character, Pierce stays focused on the likable yet complex personality of Teena and the everyday lies and choices made by this tortured young woman.

Knowing that the tale will end in tragedy, there is an ominous sense of foreboding from the first frame. One cannot help but like and connect with the naïve Teena as she recklessly approaches her eventual doom. Pierce makes it quite clear that Brandon wants only what other young people desire, acceptance, friends, fun, and love. This was not to be.

Pierce's sensitive direction of this difficult story and Hillary Swank's heartfelt performance have made "Boys Don't Cry" one of the years best films. The gritty, almost documentary style photography of Jim Denault, combined with the pounding alternative music of Nathan Larsen, help to capture the essence of the film. The dark, edgy performances by Peter Sarsgaard, Brendan Sexton III and the glowing portrayal of Chloe Sevigny as Teena's love interest completes the perplexing dimension of the film.

"Boys Don't Cry" has set off a wave of controversy and lawsuits as to the accuracy of the film. Kimberly Pierce may have taken poetic license but she got to the core of Brandon Teena with truth, honesty and emotional power.

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