The Boys in the Band

Netflix | Release Date (Streaming): September 30, 2020

6.7	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 34 Ratings

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JLuis_001Oct 18, 2020

From what I read about this film, I understand that the play in which is based was released in 1968.
That was a long time ago, from what I understand that's why the play was so shocking to the public, after all talking about homosexuality atFrom what I read about this film, I understand that the play in which is based was released in 1968.
That was a long time ago, from what I understand that's why the play was so shocking to the public, after all talking about homosexuality at that time was still a huge taboo.

However, considering the times we currently live in, I can't help but feel like this story feels kinda outdated, especially considering the poor catalyst of the plot.

The Boys in the Band was a description of certain segments of gay life, which as I said, in its time it might have been surprising to see it right in the open, but the experience here is completely casual and normal, because clearly it would be interpreted it in the same way, if the characters were heterosexual women or men, or homosexual women, or any other gender.
The only relevance that sustains it, is the look at that part of the community at that time.

However, at this point, despite its relevance, I personally believe the film doesn’t contribute anything that can be considered crucial.
And it’s that even as an update it doesn’t really work, more than anything because from what I know, both the play and the original film paved the way for a more big recognition of the LGBTQ community, while this film, it just feels like a story that Murphy took in order to fulfill his content quota with Netflix.

Also, just as another comment, I find it incredible that Jim Parsons got that big role, and I say it because there comes a point where the mannerisms defeat him, and he hits the grounds of The Big Bang Theory. And he gets so unpleasant, that I can't help but wonder how he got friends for the party in the first place.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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joelgreenbergOct 3, 2020

"The Boys in the Band" has rightfully earned its place in theatre history as a milestone in pre-AIDS gay history. The play, which premiered in 1968, is an important marker of a time now long past. Whether it transcends its own time and speaks"The Boys in the Band" has rightfully earned its place in theatre history as a milestone in pre-AIDS gay history. The play, which premiered in 1968, is an important marker of a time now long past. Whether it transcends its own time and speaks to the present is a subjective opinion. Mine is that the ragged dramaturgy, i.e., the improbable premise, reveals itself onscreen more than it might in a live performance, but either way the characters are far more representative than 3-dimensional and the arch dialogue, which was once daring, has not travelled well through time.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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vitortfvDec 3, 2020

Não que o filme não tenha seus méritos e qualidade, mas talvez o formato como foi produzido não tenha me feito comprar a história.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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DogeGamer2015Oct 10, 2020

Aunque tenga una muy larga duración, las interpretaciones del reparto son excelentes.

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kbertyDec 26, 2020

The Netflix remake of the 1970 film (directed by William Friedkin) has some interesting additions in terms of flashbacks and male nudity that 2020 sensibilities will allow, but it can't fully match or surpass the original movie (nor, IThe Netflix remake of the 1970 film (directed by William Friedkin) has some interesting additions in terms of flashbacks and male nudity that 2020 sensibilities will allow, but it can't fully match or surpass the original movie (nor, I suspect did the 2018 stage revival match the 1968 broadway production) for one simple reason. Jim Parsons. This is the second time now that the Big Bang Theory actor has been cast in a "villainous" gay role and the second time (IMHO) that he has been badly miscast. His role as the very powerful, but unscrupulous and lecherous Hollywood agent Henry Wilson in the Netflix mini series Hollywood, created by Ryan Murphy (also a producer on this project) was simply unbelievable, as is his turn here as Michael. Kenneth Nelson as the original Michael in both the 1968 and 1970 productions of Boys in the Band was filled with menace, and palpable danger, especially when he goes off the wagon and starts sopping up the booze. The transformation is stunning and tangible as required by the characters arc in behavior. In one scene Nelson needs to go from a man totally under control and in charge of his mannerisms to a psychotic, unhinged beast out of control with anger and built up resentments which he spews onto his party guests. Parsons is a very good actor. He delivers his lines correctly and hits his marks on cue ... but his performance is pretty one note here, and it's incredibly disappointing given the strength of the other performances from the rest of the cast. That transformation noted in Nelsons performance never materializes fully in Parsons and comes off more like a petulant brat stomping his foot during a temper tantrum. It's a problem because for all intents and purposes, Michael (Parsons) and Harold (Zachary Quinto) are the two alphas in the room and they at best need to match each other in their ability to dominate the room and the other characters. Quinto does an excellent job and brings the character of Harold to life. Like Leonard Frey in the 1970 film, he alone is able to stand up to Michael's **** and leave us thinking that Michael had best tread lightly around him. Frey was a brilliant actor taken from us far too soon by AIDS and his performance as Harold stands out as one of the iconic roles for any actor, and certainly for gay actors, full of complex emotions and nuance. Pasrons' performance falls short and it has an unfortunate effect on the overall impact of the film.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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