Watch The Boys in the Band: Something Personal

The Boys in the Band: Something Personal is a drama film directed by Joe Mantello that portrays the story of a group of gay friends living their lives in New York City in the late 1960s. The movie is based on the 1968 play of the same name by Mart Crowley, who also serves as the executive producer. This film is a remake of the 1970 adaptation of the play.

The story revolves around Michael (Jim Parsons), a neurotic and witty gay man who is hosting a birthday party for his friend Harold (Zachary Quinto), who is turning 32. Michael is obsessed with perfection and dedicates himself to making sure the evening is a success. As the night goes on, the guests, all gay men, start to reveal their personal struggles, insecurities, and desires, leading to a series of confrontations and revelations.

Matt Bomer plays Donald, a teacher who is often the voice of reason and brings a sense of calm to the hectic party. Charlie Carver plays Cowboy, a young, handsome man Michael brings to the party to show off to his friends, but Cowboy may have his own agenda. Mart Crowley makes an appearance in the film as the bartender, reprising his role from the original play.

The movie is a character-driven story that examines the complexities of being gay during a time when homosexuality was not widely accepted. The film unabashedly explores the themes of love, friendship, sexuality, and identity, and the challenges that come with them. The movie is full of witty dialogue, funny moments, emotional scenes and highlights the importance of being true to oneself, no matter the consequences.

One of the strengths of the film is the powerful performances from the talented cast. Jim Parsons delivers an outstanding performance as Michael, displaying incredible range as he portrays the character’s numerous emotions. Zachary Quinto’s portrayal of Harold is equally impressive, as he brings depth and complexity to the character. Matt Bomer and Charlie Carver both offer nuanced performances, adding to the film’s excellence.

The movie also boasts outstanding art direction, set design and costumes, which creates an immersive and realistic setting. The cinematography is beautiful, capturing the vibrant atmosphere of late 1960s New York City, including iconic landmarks like Central Park and the Empire State Building.

The Boys in the Band: Something Personal not only pays tribute to the original play but also adds to the story by making it more contemporary, relevant and relatable to today’s audience. Director Joe Mantello successfully captures the essence of the play and transforms it into a moving and relevant masterpiece.

In conclusion, The Boys in the Band: Something Personal is a stunning adaptation of the classic play, showcasing the power of friendship, the challenges of acceptance, and the struggle for human connection. The film delivers stellar performances, beautiful visuals, and a heartfelt message. The movie is a must-watch for anyone who is looking for an engaging, thought-provoking and emotional experience.

The Boys in the Band: Something Personal is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 28 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.