The Boys in the Band: Something Personal

The Boys in the Band: Something Personal is a 2020 documentary premised on the legendary 1968 play and its 2020 reincarnation as a Netflix film. It takes its viewers on a deep dive into the context, content and contemporary impact of Mart Crowley's groundbreaking work. This documentary captures the story and essence behind the controversial play and film, "The Boys in The Band," offering a fresh perspective, cast insights and a behind-the-scenes look at the 2020 Netflix film.

The documentary kicks off by presenting the original play, written by Mart Crowley, "The Boys in the Band" that broke ground in the late 1960s as one of the first popular mainstream dramas to openly portray homosexuality. The play's resounding success on Broadway carved a path for the future of LGBTQ+ representation in the media. Crowley, an openly gay writer, created this piece of work as an audacious attempt to shine a light on the gay experience in a time when it was still largely misunderstood and stigmatized.

The Boys in the Band: Something Personal revisits the heart of the play and the film through exclusive interviews, tantalizing clips from the 2020 movie, and original play footage. It captures the raw emotion, vulnerabilities and subtle humor that has been the hallmark of Crowley's work through a series of insightful conversations with both the original and recent cast, including Matt Bomer and Charlie Carver.

The uniqueness of the documentary lies in its delivering an intimate portrait of the original creator of the play, Mart Crowley. The life and legacy of Crowley, who passed away in 2020, is celebrated throughout the documentary. The impact of his work is also explored in detail, framing it as a game-changer in mainstream media's portrayal of LGBTQ+ communities.

For viewers familiar with the original "The Boys in The Band," the documentary offers a nourishing reunion with cherished characters and poignant reflections on the changing times since its first production. But even for those new to the play, the documentary promises an engaging journey filled with gripping storytelling, deep characters, and evolving perspectives on sexuality.

One of the vital aspects of the documentary is the inclusion of the full 2020 Netflix film cast, each of whom is openly gay. This decision proves to be an essential step in Hollywood, reinforcing the need for authentic representation in the film industry. The documentary candidly explores the personal and professional impact of this decision on its cast members like Matt Bomer and Charlie Carver, probing into their own experiences as gay men in the diverse theater and cinema realms.

Emotion runs high throughout the documentary, from impassioned discussions about the importance of representation to more light-hearted moments that demonstrate the camaraderie of the cast. Viewers get to see rare glimpses of studio table readings, rehearsals, and filming, along with deeply emotional shared memories, the cast's interpretations of their characters, and their shared thoughts on the significance of "The Boys in The Band" in today's world.

The documentary spirals away from simply being about a fictional work but turns more inwards and personal, hence the subtitle "Something Personal." The title is fitting, as it veers away from simply being a behind-the-scenes look at a film's production and instead gets up close and personal with a pivotal piece of LGBTQ+ history and the individuals who brought it to life.

Whether a theatre enthusiast, a cinephile, or someone interested in the evolution of LGBTQ+ representation in media, The Boys in the Band: Something Personal will strike a chord. The combination of exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, emotionally charged interviews, and a powerful exploration of the journey from Crowley's groundbreaking play to the revolutionary Netflix film, makes it a vibrant, compelling documentary.