F06 :: Feminist Film Studies

What do you think about Pierce's directorial choices like casting "unknown" Swank instead of "big name" actor? What do you think about Swank's portrayal?

Since this movie, Hilary Swank has become a much more well known actress than she was before. When this film was made, she wasn't a big star and hadn't played any roles that were permanently pinned to her. Because of this, Pierce's choice to cast her as Brandon Teena, instead of a big name, was a good one. Swank, unlike many well known actors, had not portrayed a character that shaped her image in the public eye. For example, when Anthony Hopkins played Hannibal in "Silence of the Lambs", it created an image for him as an actor that sticks in the audiences minds. He is now forever known for this role because of it's strength and impact. Hilary, at the time, had not starred in a role that gave her this type of image. She had a clean slate, that viewers would be unbiased about. She was a fresh face and was able to completely fill the shoes of the role of Brandon.
Swank's portrayal of Brandon in "Boys Don't Cry" was impressive to many. Even though winning the Academy Award for best actress for her performance in this movie proved that she surpassed expectations in playing Brandon; she didn't need it. It was clear to me through viewing the film that she took this role very seriously. She paid attention to details such as facial expressions, body language, and much more to play the part as accurately as she could. Her performance allows the audience to focus on the actual story, the documentary part of the Brandon Teena story, and not on her as an actress or the fact that she is a woman playing a transgender role. Hilary Swank did an amazing job of bringing the story to life, and Kimberly Pierce was smart to cast her.