Boy Culture
| Boy Culture | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Q. Allan Brocka |
| Produced by |
Stephen Israel Philip Pierce Victor Simpkins Phil Lobel |
| Written by |
Q. Allan Brocka Philip Pierce |
| Based on |
Boy Culture by Matthew Rettenmund |
| Starring |
Derek Magyar Darryl Stephens Patrick Bauchau Jonathon Trent Emily Brooke Hands |
| Narrated by | Derek Magyar |
| Music by | Ryan Beveridge |
| Cinematography | Joshua Hess |
| Edited by | Phillip J. Bartell |
| Distributed by | TLA Releasing |
Release date |
|
Running time | 87 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $500,000[1] |
| Box office | $220,409[2] |
Boy Culture is a 2006 American drama film and the film adaptation of Matthew Rettenmund's 1995 novel of the same name. The film stars Derek Magyar, Darryl Stephens, Patrick Bauchau, Jonathon Trent, and Emily Brooke Hands.
Plot
A successful escort describes in a series of confessions his entangled romantic relationships with his two roommates and an older, enigmatic client.
The story remains the same as the novel, about a man who goes by only the letter "X" to maintain his anonymity and relationships between his two roommates - one of whom he's in love with - and an enigmatic older client who challenges him to find his heart before he will consent to sex.
The film's differences from the novel include Andrew's character (now an African-American) and the location of the story in Seattle, Washington instead of Chicago, Illinois.
Cast
- Derek Magyar as Alex "X"
- Darryl Stephens as Andrew
- Patrick Bauchau as Gregory Talbot
- Chris Bethards as young Gregory
- Jonathon Trent as Joey
- Emily Brooke Hands as Lucy
- George Jonson as Blondie
- Kyle Santler as Scooter
- Matt Riedy as Frank
- Clifford Harrington as Renaldo
- Joshua Boswell as young Renaldo
- Peyton Hinson as Jill
- Demene Hall as Zelma
- William Hall, Jr. as Oren
- Molly Manago as Cheyenne
- Laprell Nelson as Matthew
- Q. Allan Brocka as Bruce Lee
Production
Boy Culture is based on a novel, with a few important differences found between the two. It was decided in the film to set it in Seattle rather than Chicago, and to make substantial differences to the character of Andrew, including his ethnicity. The film is also noted for the careful eye of the director, who managed to turn what was an 18-day production cycle into a fully realized film. [3]
In 2017, a Kickstarter campaign was launched for "Boy Culture: The Series," an episodic sequel to the original, which proposed to star Matthew Wilkas (X), Darryl Stephens (Andrew), Matthew Crawford (Chayce), as well as Stephen Guarino and singer Steve Grand.
Soundtrack
Release
The film made its world premiere in the United Kingdom at the London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival (since renamed BFI Flare: London LGBT Film Festival), on April 1, 2006, and made its debut in the United States at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 26, 2006. It subsequently received a very limited theatrical release in the United States on March 23, 2007.
- Film festival circuit
Boy Culture was shown at the following film festivals:
- 2006 London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival - April 1, 2006
- 2006 Tribeca Film Festival - April 26, 2006
- 2006 Atlantic Film Festival - September 15, 2006
- 2006 Verzaubert Queer Film Festival - November 14, 2006
- 2006 Paris Gay and Lesbian Film Festival - November 19, 2006
- 2007 Cleveland International Film Festival - March 16, 2007
- 2007 Philly Film Festival - April 6, 2007
- 2007 Mostra Internacional de Cinema Gay i Lèsbic de Barcelona - July 7, 2007
Reception
Critical response
Boy Culture currently holds a 71% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 31 reviews; the consensus states: "Eloquent one-liners and quick pacing make Boy Culture sharper than the typical gay indie flick."[4] On Metacritic, based on 12 critics, the film has a 56/100 rating, signifying "mixed or average reviews".[5] Maitland McDonagh from TV Guide wrote “Shrewder than you’d think and not half as dumb as it looks.” [6] Jeannette Catsoulis from The New York Times wrote “A slick and absorbing drama.” [6] Ronnie Scheib from Variety (magazine) wrote “A strong cast, formal visual style and cynical voiceover that propels the action help elevate this Seattle-set gay romp from the ranks of the stereotypical.” [6]
Awards
| Year | Festival | Award | Category | Recipients |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | L.A. Outfest | Grand Jury Award | Best Screenplay | Q.Allan Brocka Philip Pierce |
| 2006 | Milan International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival | Paramount Comedy Award | Q.Allan Brocka | |
| 2006 | Philadelphia International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival | Jury Prize | Best Film Best Narrative Feature | Q.Allan Brocka |
| 2006 | Rhode Island International Film Festival | First Prize | Alternative Spirit Award | Q.Allan Brocka |
| 2007 | Festróia - Tróia International Film Festival | Prize of the City of Setúbal | Best Film American Independents | Q.Allan Brocka |
Home media
The film was released on DVD on August 14, 2007, courtesy of TLA Video. The release includes an audio commentary from writer/director Q. Allan Brocka and writing partner Philip Pierce, interviews with Brocka and the four stars, deleted scenes, premiere footage from the Tribeca Film Festival and the film's trailer.[7]
References
- ↑ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0433350/business?ref_=tt_dt_bus
- ↑ Boy Culture - Box Office Mojo Retrieved 2010-05-27.
- ↑ Alexander Ryll. "Essential Gay Themed Films To Watch, Boy Culture". Gay Essential. Retrieved 7 February 2015.
- ↑ "Boy Culture". Rotten Tomatoes. Flixster. Retrieved August 21, 2014.
- ↑ "Boy Culture Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved August 21, 2014.
- 1 2 3 Alexander Ryll. "Essential Gay Themed Films To Watch, Boy Culture". Gay Essential. Retrieved 7 February 2015.
- ↑ "Buy Boy Culture".
External links
- Boy Culture on IMDb
- Boy Culture at Box Office Mojo
- Boy Culture at Rotten Tomatoes
- Boy Culture at Metacritic