Originally I saw this in high school in the mid '70s. It was exciting to see gay men on screen, even if they were in then end mostly unhappy. I watched it just recently (2003) and I find it is still a more thoughtful gay film than 90% of the films that come out under the genre of "gay" these days. Unlike its contemporaries, Boys in the Band is about thinking about being gay, not just cute bodies and such. The scarfs around the neck, and the tight polyester flared trousers do lend it an hint of fashion horror to me. It was also quite an accomplishment for William Friedkin to bring this play to the screen in such an effective way. Many contemporary gay men will think; my how far we have come. I say, watch it a second time and look and listen and see if things have really gotten any better. Cinematically or socially.
Review of The Boys in the Band
