The Boys in the Band

The Boys in the Band is a classic American drama film from 1970 that proved groundbreaking in its portrayal of homosexuality at a time when being openly gay was considered taboo. The film, directed by the acclaimed William Friedkin, was adapted from Mart Crowley’s similarly groundbreaking 1968 Off-Broadway play of the same name.

The film's evocative plot is set in New York City and focuses on a party hosted by Michael, an openly gay man acted by Kenneth Nelson. The party-goers include his close friends, whose diverse mix adds intrigue and complexity to the narrative. The event is ignited by the unexpected appearance of Alan, a seemingly straight and conservative college friend portrayed by Peter White. Notably, the entire narrative unfolds over the course of a single evening.

The ensemble cast of the movie consists of nine men, including Leonard Frey, who remain at the center of the narrative throughout. This singular focus allows for an in-depth and nuanced exploration of a gay community rarely depicted in mainstream cinema at the time. The actors who originated the roles on stage were cast for the film as well, providing a powerful and authentic portrayal that adds further gravity to the narrative.

What The Boys in the Band offers is not just a static, posed picture of gay men in 1970s America -- it's a dynamically evolving portrayal. The movie addresses themes of self-acceptance, self-hatred, identity, community, and the harsh reality of being persecuted for one's sexuality. It’s also a narrative about a group of friends who despite navigating personal and societal challenges, struggle to be there for each other.

The characters in The Boys in the Band are nothing less than engaging. Michael, with his wit and verbosity, provides much of the movie's energy. Donald, Michael's introspective, on-off partner, played by Frederick Combs, adds a counterbalance to Michael's intensity. Leonard Frey's Harold stands out as the devastatingly humorous, self-proclaimed "32-year-old, ugly, pockmarked Jew fairy", lending further dynamism to the narrative. Clifford Gorman's Emory provides comic relief, but beneath the veneer of humor lies a sense of despair and desperation.

The story's tone varies from light-hearted to intense, reflecting the ups and downs of friendships, the struggle with personal demons, and the societal pressure of attempting to fit into an alien mold. It's unique for its time for openly addressing homosexuality and the complexities that come with it. The film explores the tension between the private and public selves of its characters, and how these internal conflicts dictate their relationships and interactions.

Set entirely within the enclosed, claustrophobic interiors of a New York apartment, the brilliant direction by William Friedkin accentuates the emotional tumult the characters experience. The director's case is helped by skilled performances by the cast that lend credibility to the characters’ emotions, aspirations, and conflicts. The screenplay, by Mart Crowley himself, is razor-sharp, layered, and thought-provoking. The dialogue often stings, tinged as it is with both wit and pain.

The technical aspects of the film, including the lighting and cinematography, reflect the mood changes the characters undergo throughout the party. The use of shadows and dim lighting amplifies the sense of palpable tension and understated emotional turmoil. The soundtrack, too, is excellent, blending well with the narrative's mood and accentuating the plot’s emotional high-points.

The Boys in the Band is an intimate, thought-provoking, and socially relevant film. It's a deeply compelling portrait of a group of gay men whose lives and stories, marked by laughter, love, sorrow, and pain, are all the more poignant given the societal context in which they find themselves. With its superb performances, taut screenplay, and skilled direction, it's a film that performed an important role in increasing visibility and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community during a time of widespread discrimination and prejudice.

While it’s worthwhile noting that some viewers might find aspects of the film dated, given its 1970 release, its significance lies in its candid portrayal of gay life at the time it was made. The Boys in the Band remains a key piece of queer cinema and a significant marker in the progression towards equality and acceptance.