What do we call Teena Brandon? Transgendered seems inappropriately ideological, androgyne unfittingly futuristic and cross-dresser too whimsically flimsy. In Kimberly Peirce's harrowing first film, Teena Brandon simply called herself Brandon Teena and started living as a man. Because Brandon lived in the real life trailer park precincts of 1993 Nebraska, this quietly brazen disruption of easy categories proved fatal. Hilary Swank's Oscar winning portrayal of Brandon is perfect - perfectly staggering. Her Brandon is as honest imposter, with a solid core of confidence under layers of vulnerability. The gender confusion is all ours.
Review of Boys Don't Cry
