Boys Don't Cry (1999) — Problematic or Progressive?

Kimberly Peirce's BOYS DON'T CRY (1999) narrativizes the last few weeks of the life of transgender man Brandon Teena, a life that ended in tragedy. For the most part, the film received critical acclaim and was generally well liked by the LGBT+ community. However, in recent years, the film has been seen in a less favorable light, receiving its fair share of criticism. While some transgender people feel represented, others feel exploited. Is this film problematic or is it progressive? Written, edited, and narrated by Jane Brown Subscribe for more! ❤️ Patreon: www.patreon.com/styleissubstance 🧡 Twitter:   / substanceis   💛 Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/Jay96 💚 E-mail: [email protected] 💙 Partner: @Elaine_Fuentes 💜 Podcast: @genderweird_podcast Voices provided by ‪@gwenlovesmovies‬ Sources: ► 20/20 DOWNTOWN. (2000). ABC. ► 72ND ACADEMY AWARDS. (2000). ABC. ► “Boys Don’t Cry Q&A with Kimberly Peirce.” (2020). Key West Film Festival. ► THE CHARLIE ROSE SHOW. (1999-2000). PBS. ► Dry, Jude. “As ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ Joins National Film Registry, Kimberly Peirce Addresses Its Complicated History.” (2019). IndieWire. ► Feder, Sam. DISCLOSURE: TRANS LIVES ON SCREEN. (2020). Netflix. ► Hooper, Tom. THE DANISH GIRL. (2015). Focus Features. ► Jordan, Neil. THE CRYING GAME. (1992). Palace Pictures. ► “Kimberly Peirce: From ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ to ‘Carrie.’” (2013). Chicago Humanities Festival. ► Muska, Susan and Gréta Ólafsdottir. THE BRANDON TEENA STORY. (1998). Zeitgeist Films. ► Peirce, Kimberly. BOYS DON’T CRY. (1999). ► Shadyac, Tom. ACE VENTURA: PET DETECTIVE. (1994). Warner Bros. ► Vallée, Jean-Marc. DALLAS BUYERS CLUB. (2013). Focus Features. Chapters: 00:00 — Intro 03:04 — Accuracy 05:14 — Performance 10:47 — Gendering 18:11 — Authenticity 21:38 — Violence 27:58 — Verdict 30:28 — Outro Patrons: Clare, Яков Ржаной, Pseudo Moron, Matt Harrison, Wolfgang, Atom Jung, George, Greg, Kayla