Watch Living with... Boy George

Living with... Boy George is a documentary film released in 2008 centered around the famous British singer-songwriter Boy George and his life post-incarceration. Directed by Lauren Lazin and produced for the American cable network VH1, the film explores Boy George's journey towards sobriety, redemption, and rejuvenated music career.

The documentary opens with Boy George being released from prison after serving four months for false imprisonment of a male escort in his London flat. The arrest was a turning point in Boy George's life as it led him to reflect on his self-destructive behavior and addiction issues. The film follows him as he re-establishes his life, moving into a new home in Hampstead, North London, and reconnecting with his family and friends.

One of the main themes in Living with... Boy George is the singer's attempts to rebuild his career. The film highlights Boy George's struggles in reclaiming his relevance in the music industry. Despite having achieved worldwide success in the 1980s with his band Culture Club, he struggled to find a recording label willing to invest in his music. Nevertheless, the film captures Boy George's dedication to his craft and his efforts to stay relevant, culminating in a performance at London's 100 Club, where he debuts new material from his then-unreleased record.

Living with... Boy George is also a personal journey that explores the singer's relationships with his family and himself. The documentary includes interviews with Boy George's mother and sister, who recount the singer's early years and his eventual rise to fame. The film also touches on Boy George's romantic relationships, including a brief romance with Adam Mattera, which ended shortly after filming.

Throughout the film, Boy George reflects on his past mistakes and the journey towards recovery. He is seen attending therapy sessions and Narcotics Anonymous meetings, where he opens up about his struggles with addiction and his desire to not repeat his past mistakes. The film also reveals Boy George's fondness for Buddhism and the role it played in his transformation.

Living with... Boy George is an intimate portrait of the singer's life after a significant and public fall from grace. While the documentary does not shy away from the darker aspects of his life, it ultimately portrays a man on a journey towards healing and redemption. The film's highlighting of Boy George's resilience and determination to overcome his struggles makes it an inspiring story of redemption.

In conclusion, Living with... Boy George is an inspiring documentary about second chances and perseverance. It offers an intimate look into the singer's troubled past and his efforts to rebuild his life and career. The film's honesty and vulnerability make it a powerful portrayal of personal growth and triumph over adversity.