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Boy Culture
Sexy Voice...
Musss7 wrote:
I love the whole movie and for me, I do think this is the best movie directed by Brocka. The sexiest part of this movie is the voice of Magyar narrating the story... He suit the character well. Beside that, other actors too gave very good performance and over all, you should not miss this one. Unfortunately, this is not originally Brocka idea because it was translated from Rettenmund's novel. o, I hope to see new original Brocka movie and I heard it had been released. Lastly, I do agree that love conquers all...
Boy Culture Of Love
Janorm wrote:
Brocka has brought a look at the gay world of hustling with dramatic insight, yet with comedic overtones. The brilliant choice of actors produced very incisive protrayals throughout the film. The theme of how love knows no boundry, can be followed supremely throughout. A most energyzing and deliciously romantic romp! Would like to rate it at five(5) stars if it was possible. A must for your Gay Cinema Collection. ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS!!!
"Boy Culture".......a love story and......
just a reviewer wrote:
......a "Classic" in the making. ((1)). And you know what, to become one, not everything has to be an emotional downer like the exceptional "Brokeback Mountain." The 'light romance' film category has its "Classics," too. And this film, this "Boy Culture" is so good it's almost "fairy tale-ish" (that's meant in a good way).....so different from what films usually give us about ourselves (Q. Allan Brocka: "King of Gay Filmdom"). ((2)). Yes, it is a love story.....one about looking for love---a real and lasting love---and being afraid to accept it when it's found. And "X" proclaims it so simply and clearly when he first introduces us to Andrew: "That's who this is all about." (And wouldn't you, the viewer, then think that puts Andrew in an all-powerful position.....well, just wait and see). ((3)). But, enough about the story. While many other online reviewers here have already talked about story line.....plot, lets us now do some "actor digging." ((4)). First, it's got to be said that this is not one of those movies where one need only watch facial expressions, or body language, and listen to what's being said. Oh, no, in this one it's an absolute must to "watch the eyes".....you've just got to "watch the eyes." Why? Because Derek Magyar ("X") has great eyes---he can make love to you with those eyes. And did you even catch how many times his eyes had tears in them? Amazing! And while it's Darryl Stephens who has the beautiful eyes, it's Derek who has the world in his. Watch for them misting up when he knows he's been cutting and unkind to Andrew, or when at a wedding he becomes aware he's about to lose out on the only person he knows he wants / he loves. Oh, and, for the fun of it, be sure to watch closely what he does with those eyes at that point in the film where he enters their digs and sits down right against Andrew on the sofa. Just watch where those eyes "go to" (you'll be able to picture yourself having done exactly what he does). Yes, those eyes are his most devastating physical feature.....I so hope you have a large and clear enough screen to see all this. Again, he's just amazing! Am I in love? Yes, I am. ((5)). Second, what else can you say about the two young lead characters in this fairy tale of love, other than that they have "those feelings" for one another......if only they'd let themselves stop to realize it. In that exciting, near-the-end scene (which is a repeat of another love tale told in this story), when asked what he is doing, "X" replies: "Waiting for you" (going on to tell us, in voice-over: "The words haunted me"). We, the viewers, then realize, as does he, that's exactly what he has been doing throughout the entire film narrative: "Waiting for Andrew"......to accept Andrew. BUT, dear readers, whether he accomplishes that is for you to find out. ((6)). Everything in and about this production moves like the proverbial clockwork; there really are no rough spots. How Director "Q" got these levels of performance out of this "tri-pod" of, essentially, first-timers-to-movies (Magyar, Stephens and Jonathon Trent), is almost unprecedented and beyond me. To be factual, though, it is really more of a "quad-pod," when you stop to realize that our good, senior Mr. Patrick Bauchau is as vital a "cast leg" of this production as any of the other three. But.....the important thing for us to note is that "Q" did draw out top notch levels of performance, and he has, indeed, given us that rarity---a gay love story that provides a "lives happily ever after." You needed that, I needed that, (Ennis and Jack needed that), we all needed that. Thank you immeasurably, Mr. Brocka, nephew of The Philippine's Lino Brocka, director of 1988's "Macho Dancer" (we know; it's in the genes, it's in the genes). I'm so looking forward to what you give us in the future. If I knew a way to invest in you, fiscally, I would. ((7)). A final thought for a specific audience segment---Isn't it interesting that any "real simulated" sex in this production (that means 'anal' for those of you wondering) is not necessarily between our young lead characters. Perhaps, instead, we Seniors out here might just get the goods---for once. Go us!!
No Rating Outstanding!!!! Deliciously Sexy!!!!
Nyeem wrote:
Wow & Speechless!!!!! Are the few but not the least that comes to mind about Boy Culture. At first this movie moved slowly, but then it started to grow just like a hot erection. Amazingly written, captivating & note worthy of any award the film industry has to give. Standout portrayals from all the actors especially Darryl Stephens and Patrick Bauchau. Eye Candy Derek Magyar makes you wanna pay up too and Jonathon Trent is note worthy as the tru comedic relief and his character is over the top freshing funny and it wouldn't be a true gay movie with out one of the characters being overly dramatic. This movie is pretty woman meets cruel intentions with a gay twist. If your a fan of deep meaning movies then pick this up. It has a message that rings through loud and clear. Love can conquer any & all obstacles if you want it bad enough. You don't have to compromise who you are to get what you want. If you don't have this movie yet your missing out and one of the greatest films ever made. Get It Now it is worth every penny and then some.
Disappointed - Expected More
Derek wrote:
I was disappointed with this film contrary to popular opinion. Yes, I agree Derek Magyar was quite convincing in the role he played. I expect more from him in the future. He carried the film by all means. I felt that Darryl Stephens was miscast. He rarely showed any emotion playing Andrew - he seemed more like a fashion model with little acting talent trying to convince us otherwise. The film it seems, allows you never to forget it was a novel first. The majority of the fim is a voice over by the character, X, played by Mr. Magyar. It plays out similar to the movie, The Rules of Attraction with James Vanderbeek. Director, Q. Alan Brocka tries to infuse some comedy to mostly a somber movie, with the same plot lines as one of his first movies, Eating Out. The boyfriend is invited over to the parents and to his surprise, the parents welcome the boyfriend with open arms - along with the sarcastic wit of the younger sister. I actually wanted to like this movie, but it turned out like watching Gods & Monsters all over again - the young, virile and attractive man have long tedious conversations with a much older and grayer man. This movie tried to have too many ingredients in it, and proved unsuccessful.
More than I expected
Peterp88 wrote:
I was invited to view this film when it was showing at a local theater. I had to decline as I was awaiting an important phone call that never came. I did pre-order it on DVD. I did loan my copy to the friend who gave me the invite. He liked it better than the big screen. I have viewed it many, many times. I can not get enough of it. Three hotties especially Derek Magyar and Darryl Stephens, Jonathon Trent was too swishy. Cheyenne was just great as was Jamie in 'Eating Out'. I was disappointed that full frontals were not included as we saw in both Eating Out movies. Thank you Q. Allan Broka, cast and crew. What is next for us?
Fouts Stars ****
Tyrell wrote:
Absolutely loved this movie. The Cast.. The Acting. Great Plot.. Strong message!! I fell in love with this movie. Definitely made my Top Ten list!! Bravo!!
BOY CULTURE comes home
JayCBird wrote:
This will has been my third viewing of the film, which I have generally LIKED overall, yet I had some hesitation about seeing it again so recently after it's theatrical release this past Spring. (My earlier comments on the film from the 2006 SF LGBT Film Festival are at my blogspot). Upon my third viewing, I do not have that much to add to the film itself, as the experience is easily transferable from big screen to home video. The performances are perhaps more suited to a smaller screen, as the narration was not as intrusive on this viewing. That, or I have begun to tune it out and concentrate more on the visuals and performers on screen. Patrick Bauchau still knocks out a great performance, and there are subtleties to Jonathan Trent's party boy "Joey" that I hadn't fully appreciated before. The video transfer is perfectly fine in anamorphic 1.77:1 widescreen, with no loss in shadows nor are there blinding whites. The sound transfer is particularly well done, as it keeps a well recorded Dolby Digital 2.0 in fair balance. (However, the soundtrack on the menu screens is blaring!) There are also English subtitles available. The disc contains a hardy number of extras. The screen specific commentary with writer/director Q. Allan Brocka and producer/writer Phillip Pierce is actually sort of nice as they speak about production aspects and keep away from describing 'character intentions' etc., which I find to be rather redundant. And Q. Allan Brocka doesn't shy away from giving a little dirt on what happened around the set, which is ALWAYS appreciated! There are five interviews: Writer/Director Q. Allen Brocka and actors Patrick Bauchau, Derek Magyar, Darryl Stephens and Jonathon Trent. These interviews do not shed any more particular light on the production, as questions "Describe your character" are fairly mundane, particularly since one has most probably just watched the film! However, Patrick Bauchau does reminisce about working in the French New Wave and Jonathon Trent displays a good deal of intelligence and talent in his comments regarding his character, "Joey" who could be described as the teenage-party boy of the cast. Derek Magyar ("X") takes it quite seriously and, dare I say, seems cautious in his replies. Where as Darryl Stephens ("Andrew") becomes nearly jaded when he begins to speak about this production versus his work on "Noah's Arc" and "Another Gay Movie", which does lend a bit of revelation and gossip to his interview. There is also a Tribeca Film Festival reel, which is primarily the Q&A after its screening there. As Q&A's go, it is OK, though the Interview sections actually cover the same ground and with higher production quality. The Tribeca Q&A was videoed from the back of the house, apparently, and the sound is not all that great. There are two deleted scenes, neither of which really add anything, ergo, they were deleted, and a selection of trailers for TLA Releasing. Overall, it is a pretty nice little package for a pretty good little film dealing with lots of different ways that the 'boy culture' addresses love... Jay "Life With Movies and Maxxxxx"
A "FOUR STAR MOVIE" A "MUST" SEE!!!
Conner wrote:
I got my copy in the mail, from TLA, yesterday. I give the movie "FOUR" Stars!!! I always have trouble, when pressing the "RED STARS", to rate the movies, "SO".... I hope my "FOUR" Red Stars show up on my thread, as such. Anyway......this is a "MUST" see film. As well as an, "ADD" to your library film. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPOINTED! The acting was, "spot on", the charactors were perfect. As least my partner & I thought so. The story was very believable, as well as true to life. I'll say no more, except..... either rent it, or better still purchase a copy.
can't wait to see
mancanfan wrote:
I have yet to see this film, but I know that I will at the very least enjoy watching the ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS! Darryl Stephens....Breathtaking! I think that he should be on the cover of People magazines most beautiful people!
Sexy AND talented cast deliver a GOOD gay movie
Lou2u wrote:
The acting in most gay movies is TERRIBLE, so I was pleased to stumble across Derek Magyar's performance in "Boy Culture". The character he plays is extremely sexy (mostly because he is guarded almost to the point of being completely unavailable). The character “X” is a high priced male hustler with a very select client roster. “X” appears to the outside world to be a hardened, almost heartless, shell of a human being, but the audience is privy to his innermost thoughts. Through this internal dialog, we learn that “X” is “saving himself” for someone who loves him, and has convinced himself that he is secretly in love with his roommate played by the talented young actor Darryl Stephens of LOGO’s Noah’s ARC. If Derek wasn't a gifted actor, the character "X" would not have been likable (and the audience wouldn't have cared what ultimately happened to him). But, because Derek IS a talented actor, with above average material that borrows from a classic play, the audience is given the opportunity to invest in what happens to “X”. The story unfolds through sexy dialog that is believable enough if the audience is willing enough to suspend belief long enough to buy into a more serious, and sexier, gay version of “Pretty Woman.” If you let out a little groan at the comparison, be aware that both of these films owe a debt to George Bernard Shaw’s “Pygmalion”. While “Pretty Woman” follows a more predictable, and commercial path with the prerequisite Hollywood happy ending which owes more to “My Fair Lady” than Shaw’s original play, “Boy Culture” is actually closer to the spirit of “Pygmalion”. Gifted character actor Patrick Bauchau, best known for playing the character of “Sydney” for four years on the television series “The Pretender” plays Gregory Talbot, the rich “sculpture” who is intent on molding “X” into his creation. The story appears to follow predictable paths at times, but is actually more complex than what the jaded viewer may expect. Thankfully, the characters in this story often display traits of nobility that elevate them above what they appear to be if only given a cursory inspection. While this film borrows from “Pygmalion,” it doesn’t steal; it veers away from the known story arc to find its own path. With sexy dialog, the conveyance of raw emotion through his eyes, and a male beauty that rivals the sexiest Titan porn stars, Derek Magyar delivers a performance that is more than worth the average ticket price (a rarity these days to be sure). He emotes a type of vulnerability without giving up his pseudo-macho hustler persona. His character establishes early on, that he is unavailable (symbolically placing his jacket on the empty seat next to him, showing that he will allow no-one to get too close). He is very acid tongued to anyone who tries to remove that “barrier” and get too close, but it is obvious he is doing this in order to protect himself from harm. He pushes people away with “humor” based in a need for self preservation. He prays often (humorously enough he owns a religious Madonna icon –the Catholic version, not the pop-star) asking for forgiveness. It is easy for the viewer to grant this forgiveness since “X” is actually a very passionate, albeit damaged, character. If this movie were a wide release Hollywood drama with heterosexual characters, Derek’s performance would be a star making role. Although this film is unlikely to become a blockbuster, hopefully it WILL eventually find the audience it deserves. It has the potential to become a gay cult classic, and audiences that discover this small film may well begin to follow this talented cast to other projects. Without spoiling the ending, I found this film to be both unapologetic and hopeful. Considering the lack of gay cinema that offers either of these outcomes, I am delighted to recommend this film. I go to movies to escape and be entertained, and I found this film to be very entertaining escape on multiple levels.
more real than it should be
Butch wrote:
Boy Culture should have been a fluff piece. It should have been nothing more than silly pop culture nachos. It surprised me by being something other, something that was almost frighteningly real. The characters aren't subtle, the acting is mostly standard fare though Derek Magyar is spot on and at times actually seems insightful in his phrasings. This story with it's own version of happy ever after has enough gritty truth in it to climb from the depths of mediocrity and become a movie that exemplifies a few basic truths about gay life. Not the least of the things held up to a mirror of harsh lighting is the disposable nature of relationships for gay men. Another is the sad habit gay men have of settling for less than what others see as their rights as humans. The film won't change your life, it won't enlighten you and it won't make you want to sit in a circle with your twelve closest friends singing Kumbaya. What it will do is make you nod your head as you see it unfold while you sometimes laugh and sometimes want to cry watching yourself say and do things you've lived long enough to regret. It will make you want to at least hope that you've grown enough to make you own happy ending. It was worth the ride.
Blast from the past.
Ethan wrote:
Fun movie, don't remember the book too much but I do remember reading the book in one sitting. Read it in '98. Derek Magyar wasn't believable as a $5K hooker, but cute enough if he keeps his shirt off. Since this is a gay movie, why no frontal nudity? After all, the main character is a prostitute. I only mention this because both Eating Out gave us some tasty eye-candy. The characters were like-able and the dialog was amusing. Overall, I would recommend this movie.
GREAT MOVIE!!!!!
Chicago Viewer wrote:
I just saw this movie this past weekend. It was fantastic, it was much better then I was expecting. The acting was a bit uneven at times but the story line was great. There also a couple of moments when you turned to the person sitting next to you and gave each other the all knowing(AH HA) look that only another gay man would get. Think about the moment in the movie Trick when the drag queen in the bathroom talked getting cum in her eye IT BURNED!!!!!! I will be purchasing the DVD. Go see the movie if it's still playing in your city.