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Ryan Murphy Television
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At a birthday party in 1968 New York, a surprise guest and a drunken game leave seven gay friends reckoning with unspoken feelings and buried truths.
Manuel São Bento
Oct 1, 2020 · via TMDB
If you enjoy reading my Spoiler-Free reviews, please follow my blog @ https://www.msbreviews.com So, first and foremost, I didn't know a single thing about this film nor the play it's adapted from. As usual, I also didn't watch the trailer or any clip. Based purely on the cast and the synopsis, I actually expected a fun, lighthearted movie, where an important story about sexual orientation and homosexuality would definitely be developed. While I'm not entirely wrong on the last part, The Boys in the Band is far from being one of those Sunday afternoon's flicks people occasionally put on their TVs to entertain guests for a couple of hours. It possesses two distinct halves. The first contains one of the most captivating introductions to the characters and the overall narrative I've seen this year so far. From the very start, Mart Crowley and Ned Martel's screenplay is packed with interesting conversations, and every actor is able to elevate their script by being incredibly realistic and spontaneous. Each character has a clear personality, and their relationships are cleverly established. It's definitely one of the best films of the year regarding character development since every single one is explored beyond just one or two lines of characterization. Technically, the one-location set always pleases me, and it works beautifully in the context of the movie since it never deviates the focus from the characters and their personal stories. However, the second half couldn't take a more shocking turn. The once lighthearted tone drastically changes after Alan (Brian Hutchison) enters the party. An uneasy, uncomfortable atmosphere fills up the apartment, and it never leaves, not even after everything's over. It's an emotionally heavy, even tiresome story that takes every single character to their absolute limit. Secrets are revealed, omitted truths (those that everyone saves deep inside not to hurt their friends) come out, and alcohol plays a good part in all of this. Nevertheless, it's not really one of the film's central themes, even though there's a clear message regarding that subject as well. Homosexuality (how it was and still is treated by society) is undoubtedly the narrative's primary topic, but I believe "sexual orientation" to be the ultimate theme in The Boys in the Band. In fact, an even more general analysis concludes that the main message follows the "accept who you are" and "don't be afraid or ashamed of what you enjoy" guidelines. Consequently, it becomes a more accessible movie since it never feels like it's closing itself, excluding people outside of the target audience. Everyone can (and should) enjoy the film's thematic component since the debates that characters have with each other are extremely meaningful for today's society. The chaos that dominates the apartment feels surprisingly genuine and natural, creating a comparison with what occurs daily, everywhere in the whole wide world. The writers' treatment of homosexuality and sexual orientation is profound and really well-developed, exploring those phases that thousands of people go through: confidence, shame, uncertainty, acceptance, and so much more. Honestly, if someone feels uncomfortable while watching this movie, then someone must be wrong with that person. Yes, it deals with preconceived notions, sexual discrimination, and many other aspects related to this subject. However, in the end, it's not a film exclusively about homosexuality but about people accepting themselves for who they are without fear or shame. The cast and the characters they portray are what make The Boys in the Band such a great movie. I can't go into details about everyone, otherwise, this review will never end, but I do have to mention a few. Zachary Quinto (Harold) portrays Jim Parsons' (Michael) frenemy and his weird, philosophical, enigmatic interpretation as the birthday boy steals the spotlight on several occasions. Brian Hutchison is incredible as Alan, the "ugly duck" of the whole situation, whose sexual orientation is questioned throughout the entire film. Hutchison does a great job of never leaving the viewer clearly see through him. Everyone else is terrific, but I offer a final shoutout to the hilarious Robin de Jesús (Emory) and the always fantastic Matt Bomer (Donald). Jim Parsons delivers a performance that's on a whole other level, though. If he doesn't get awards buzz, I genuinely don't know what else an actor needs to do to achieve that. Just like the narrative's structure, Michael also has two distinct personalities, depending on the level of alcohol in his blood. When he's sober, Parsons shows that quirky side of him with his funny facial expressions. When he's drunk, he becomes verbally violent, aggressive to his friends, and a terrible host. He's the catalyst of the story, the engine of the whole movie. Without him, nothing happens. Parsons takes that responsibility and delivers a memorable performance, one of the very best 2020 has to offer. As mentioned before, Crowley and Martel's screenplay is exceptionally well-written, possessing tremendously entertaining dialogues. I don't think I've ever watched an adaptation of a play that actually convinced me to want to watch the latter. However, it's precisely due to The Boys in the Band being a play-to-cinema adaptation that I have the following issue. The moments where a live audience is supposed to clap or repeat a catchphrase are way too obvious, taking me out of the film on those occasions because I feel like something's missing or a character is forced to "replace" the nonexistent public. My other issue is related to Michael's game in the second half of the film. It pretty much occupies the last hour, and while it starts in an interesting, emotionally compelling manner, it gradually becomes monotonous and way too predictable. It becomes a tiresome cycle where everything that's supposed to happen, occurs without major surprises. Some unnecessary flashbacks also stretch the runtime, besides being the only moments where the viewer leaves the suspenseful, tense apartment, which I didn't really appreciate. In the end, two storylines are left open to interpretation, and I couldn't love these narrative decisions more. There's no right answer, only our own interpretations. All in all, The Boys in the Band is one of the best play-to-film adaptations I've seen in quite some time. It actually convinced me to see the original version if I could, which is a statement to how much it impacted me. Yes, it's a movie that focuses on homosexuality and sexual orientation. However, it never feels exclusive to LGTBQ+ viewers, much on the contrary. It transmits a general message of acceptance and self-worth, something everyone can connect with. Mart Crowley and Ned Martel deliver a screenplay that treats its themes in an astonishingly genuine, meaningful, natural way, creating a clear analogy with not only the 60s but also today's society. Every conversation is fascinating and engaging. Characters debate essential subject matters that everyone should listen to and learn from. Regarding character development, Joe Mantello's film explores its characters more than any other 2020's flick so far. Every actor incorporates his role perfectly, but Jim Parsons deserves a few awards for his emotionally powerful display. Occasionally, the adjustment of moments where a live audience would interact doesn't quite work. The second half's game becomes repetitive and predictable, extending the runtime for a tad too long (also due to unnecessary flashbacks). The two ambiguous storylines that end the movie are the cherry on top of a really good cake, which I definitely recommend to everyone to take a bite. You'll undoubtedly get something out of it. Rating: B+
User reviews courtesy of TMDB.
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Jim Parsons
Michael
Zachary Quinto
Harold
Matt Bomer
Donald
Andrew Rannells
Larry
Michael Benjamin Washington
Bernard
Robin de Jesús
Emory
Tuc Watkins
Hank
Charlie Carver
Cowboy Tex
Brian Hutchison
Alan
Brian Dole
Young Bohemian
Marc Basil
Mover #2
Jack A. O'Connell
Doorman
Walter Cox
Hotel Manager
Tina Fabrique
Knitting Woman
Tyler Miles
Handsome Preppy Man
John DeLuca
Parking Attendant
Julia Parker
Female Neighbor
Paul Chirico
Hank's Stranger
Derrick Simmons
Taxi Driver
Judy Becker
Production Design
Gene Serdena
Set Decoration
Bill Pope
Director of Photography
Peter Epstein
Stunts
Joe Mantello
Director
Alexis Martin Woodall
Producer
David Stone
Producer
Joe Mantello
Producer
Ned Martel
Producer
Ryan Murphy
Producer
Amanda Krieg Thomas
Music Supervisor
Ned Martel
Screenplay
Charlie
Testosterone: Volume Three
Patsy
The Crucible of Life
Ondine
Luc ou la part des choses
Alpas
Pohled do očí
Before We Forget
River Knows Fish Heart
Amadeus
American Beauty
Country Gold
The Vampire
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Dear to Me
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The Ballet of Othello
Jia
Papanasam
Soulmate
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I Don't Want to Go Back Alone
All About My Mother
Billy Elliot
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In Cold Blood
Midnight Cowboy
Silence of the Sea
The Man Who Knew Too Much
His Girl Friday
Hidden Away
Meet Joe Black
Bad Education
Othello
Tomboy
Withnail & I
Crossing
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
A Star Is Born
Drifting Laurent
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The Lake House
Natalka Poltavka
Cyanide
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Dog Meet Goose
I Want to Know Your Parents
The Dress
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Insomnia
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Man of Ashes
The Moonraker
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Walk on Water
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In from the Side
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2:37
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Lola and the Sea
And the Band Played On
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Open
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Beast's Shadow: Marks of Assault
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We're Not Here
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Between Us
Natural Woman 2010
Anna and Edith
Fee
Trilogy of Our Lives Undone
Misunderstanding
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Love Spell
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Lear Rex
Courtship at the Office
Je ne suis pas comme ça
I Get So Sad Sometimes
Falena
A Fuckboi Story
Xia Ri Shi Guang
Coexistence
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Stavo
Hedda Gablerová
Inferno
Melissa
Investigations of a Breakup
Stand Up for Your Friends
Cupido confuso
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Trio
Todo Amor do Mundo
Censurada
The Ick
Anytime You're Feeling Lonely
Dreamland
Philia
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
The Normal Heart
Flow
Midnight Cowboy
The Basketball Diaries
Moonlight
Rocketman
The Boys in the Band
Kiss of the Spider Woman
The Death & Life of John F. Donovan
Battle of the Year
Prick Up Your Ears
Bully
Querelle
The Good Neighbor
The Tender Bar
Apt Pupil
My Brother the Devil
Othello
Firebrand
Sleuth
The Dresser
The Catcher Was a Spy
American Pastoral
American Son
Where the Day Takes You
Stonewall
The Krays
The Outrage
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Sep 30, 2020
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Bicara Cinta
2020
The Pied Pipers of Harlow
1965
Sign in to vote
Battle your watched movies head-to-head
Community Top Movies
Evil Dead II
1987 · 14 wins
The Dark Knight
2008 · 14 wins
Halloween
1978 · 13 wins
Final Destination
2000 · 12 wins
Halloween II
1981 · 11 wins
Trivia
Leaderboard →Playing as a guest — sign in to save your score and rank on the leaderboard.
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