"Making the Boys" review

Last night I had the pleasure to view the new documentary Making the Boys.
For any theatre and film historian who doesn't know anything about the iconic The Boys in the Band, go see this documentary and educate yourself. As the film expressed, many young gay people today do not know of this play/film.

The Boys in the Band is the mecca of gay themed films. The one that started it all with the brash boldness, that holds up today due to the crisp, witty dialogue, and the in-your-face direction by William Friedkin (The Exorcist, and ironically the gay themed S&M thriller Cruising starring Al Pacino). Before The Boys in the Band, homosexuals were for the most part invisible in film. This play and film broke down the barriers and movies like The Birdcage, or TV's Will and Grace would not exist today if not for this film. We take so much for granted on gay role models we see in television and film today.

The story centers on eight gay men (and one unexpected guest who's sexual orientation is never confirmed) all attending a birthday party, then the drinking starts the bitchy games begin. The theme is similar to Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf. The story heightens into an angry explosion of rage and hate by the host Michael who is obviously an alcoholic and a self hating homosexual (as many viewed themselves before gay liberation). In, 1968 when the play premiered (and when the film opened 2 years later) homosexuality was still considered a mental illness (until declassified as a mental disorder by the American Psychiatric Association in 1973).

The documentary delves into the back story of the production from the early beginnings from workshop to off-Broadway which became a mainstream smash. Celebrities would be clamoring for tickets to see this little production. Writer Mart Crowley discusses his friendship with Natalie Wood and how he started in show business and his inspiration on writing the play. Other people interviewed for the film is director of the film version William Friedkin, cast members Peter White and Laurence Luckinbill. Unfortunately the 1980's and 90's was cruel to the future of many involved in the film. Most of the cast members and the original director Robert Moore had succumbed to AIDS. It's very sobering and this makes The Boys in the Band that more tragic when viewing it.

Filmmaker Crayton Robey did an amazing job with the challenging task of putting together hard to find vintage footage of the theatre production, cast interviews, production stills and finding as many people who could be interviewed for this documentary. Original cast member Reuben Greene has not been able to be found. He is alive, but unfortunately could not be reached for the documentary.

I was so excited to get to chat with writer Mart Crowley after the show. He and director Crayton Robey did a Q&A session after the screening.  Both of them have so much love for the production. It was a wonderful experience meeting both of them. As a bonus, I got to meet actor/director Charles Busch (Die Mommie Die) who was in the audience. I think all of them got a kick out of my enthusiasm.

Making the Boys is currently playing at the Quad Cinema in Chelsea.
www.quadcinema.com


Vince the Movie Guy

How I love my Netflix!

Hey there, my loyal fans!

Thanks for asking me when the next blog posting is to be posted. Honestly, I've just been mad busy and sidetracked. Sorry! Here you go...

I am so in love with my Netflix. Being the movie buff that I am, there are just so many older films that I miss. With the "Watch Instantly" feature I can just play a movie (disc free). Technology is amazing!

 

Here are some recent films that I've watched and want to talk to you about, all of which I found exceptional!

C.R.A.Z.Y. (2005). This is a French-Canadian film that I stumbled across. It totally packs a wallop. The story spans from 1960 to 1981 and features a young kid who is struggling with his sexual orientation while being surrounded by mass homophobia. He finds comfort in American and British rock music. It's interesting that hardly any spoken English is in the film except for the outstanding soundtrack by David Bowie, Patsy Cline and many others. It's electrifying and very moving.

THE IRON GIANT (1999). Why didn't I ever watch this film before? Probably one of the last animated films done in the classic "draw it on paper" sort of way. This film has an innocent quality on how a young boy befriends a giant robot (voiced by Vin Diesel) during the Cold War period. I found it had a childlike point of view quality, similar to E.T.

THE EXONERATED (2008) This brilliant, film adapatation of a theatre piece is at once touching and horrific. It's a group monologues based on people who spent time on death row only to be released after being proven innocent. Amazing performances by Susan Sarandon, Brian Dennehy, Aidan Quinn, Danny Glover, Delroy Lindo, and newcomer David Brown, Jr.  I was speechless and disturbed, and also angry after viewing this film. It is a top notch production from beginning to end.

Have you seen any of these films and if so, what did you think?!

 

 

Until next time, and I'll do my best to not wait for a month. :-)

Vince the Movie Guy.

Welcome to NYC Movie Lover

Hello!

Welcome to my blog, NYC Movie Lover, a place where I will be discussing films and some TV shows about which I am passionate.

This is not a celebrity gossip site. That type of fanfare does not interest me. Also, if I don't like a film or TV program, I probably won't write about it because I find no enjoyment in bashing other people's work.

I've been a movie buff my whole life. All my friends know me as "Vince the Movie Guy" and since they're always asking me, "What are you watching these days?", my answers will be the subject and focus of what I'll be discussing. I hope you'll join me.

I watch a lot of cinema. All genres. I figure I'm a true movie buff because I will watch all types of films, as long as they are done well. You hear people say things such as "I hate Westerns". Well, I can say it's not my favorite genre, but I thought Unforgiven was an excellent film. I'm not a huge fan of rap music but I loved 8 Mile. See what I'm saying?

I am enjoying all of this year's Oscar contenders. Last weekend alone, in between tramping through the NYC slush and snow, I saw six Oscar nominated pics. Four in the theater and two on DVD. The former group included Blue Valentine, 127 Hours, Another Year and Rabbit Hole. Blue Valentine, of those four, had the strongest performances. I will say that I feel Ryan Gosling deserved a nomination but he was overlooked. 

On DVD, I watched two of the three Best Animated Film nominees, How to Train My Dragon and Toy Story 3. Both were great but Toy Story 3 was a little more stellar.

What films do you want to see take home Oscar on Feb. 27th? Please subscribe to my blog and leave comments. They are greatly appreciated! Than you for checking in.

Vince the Movie Guy