The Boys In The Band Essays - Films, The Boys In The Band

Jonathon McNeil The Boys In The Band Gay and Lesbian Literature 10/3/2013 In 1968, a shocking play by the name of The Boys in the Band, was published. The play opened the closeted door to the lifestyle of many gay men in the late 60s and early 70s. To many heterosexuals, The Boys in the Band, was an eye opening account of a community that was never represented in the past on stage. Mart Crowley wrote a play about gay men, however; the characters sexuality was not the central theme of the work. After Stonewall, there was a plethora of gay liberation. In most gay and lesbian literature of the time, the LGBTQ character typically suffered a sad ending to the book or play. Crowley deftly included this in the play when Michael says to Harold, Its not always like it happens in the plays, not all faggots bump themselves off at the end of the story. (70) In 1970, the off Broadway play was produced into a film. By examining the play and film, one can deduce that the film is a good adaptation of the play. While the story revolves around a birthday party for a character named Harold, the central character of the play is Michael. Michael wants to throw a great birthday party for Harlod, but his life is in shambles. Throughout the book and play, it becomes apparent that Michael is an unhappy dry drunk. This becomes apparent when Michael says to Donald, Its just that today I finally realized that I was raised to be a failure. I was groomed for it. (8) One of the central themes of, The Boys in the Band, is the excessive use of alcohol throughout the play. Actually the entire play is about the characters becoming inebriated. Michael is a recovering alcoholic but paradoxically he is hosting a birthday party when he is the bartender. This is displayed when Donald asks Michael where he is going and Michael replies, To make drinks! I think we need about thirty-seven. (9) Michael goes on to say how he is taking a sabbatical from drinking. Donald questions him about him seeking professional thera py for the issue. Michael says, He certainly had a lot to do with it. Mainly, I just didnt think I could survive another hangover, thats all. I dont think I could get through that morning-after ick attack. (18) It becomes apparent later on in the film that Michael relapses. Michael states, I am not drunk! You cannot tell that I am drunk! Donald! Im not drunk! Am I? (91) The film version does a very good adaptation of the plays representation of Michaels character. It also becomes very clear in the play and film that Michael is unhappy in other areas of his life as well. Michael feels torn because he is a very devote Catholic and cannot come to terms with his sexuality. Harold accuses Michael of hanging onto an insurance policy called The Church. Michael response is, Thats right. I believe in God, and if it turns out that there really isnt one, OK. Nothing lost. But if it turns out that there isIm covered. (64) Later on in the film Alan calls Michael out on his internal homophobia and says, You are a sad and pathetic man. Youre a homosexual and you dont want to be. But there is nothing you can do to change it. Not all your prayers to your God, not all the analysis you can buy in all the years youve got left to live. (108) Michael appears in both film and the play to be conflicted between his religion and his sexuality. An interesting gift that Michael gave Harold was a photograph of him in a silver frame with an inscription. When asked what it says by Bernard what it says, Harold replies, Just something personal. (74) The audience never learns the meaning of this very personal gift in neither the film or play. As Michael becomes more intoxicated, he becomes increasingly belligerent. He begins talking very vulgar to many of the party guests. He snaps and says to Bernard, Yall want to hear a little polite parlor jest from the liberal Deep South? Do you