boys on the side: redefining roles and structure
From reading my classmates blogs, it may be unnecessary to reiterate the fact that Boys on the Side challenged normative ideas of friendship. The three women together displayed a gradient of sexuality, class, race and ability. Unlike most of the films we've seen, these women's differing characteristics do not hinder their ability to create lasting, strong non-homogenized relationships. In addition, there is not a single man referenced in the film that plays a savior-like role. (Holly's husband may be the closest, but he played an important role in her imprisonment. )
Once again, we see the road as a place that is leaving the past behind in search of a new beginning. Jane is looking for career success and new people, Holly leaves behind an abusive boyfriend, and Robin is attempting to escape her disease, or at least the place where she acquired it. Like one of my classmates pointed out, the movie itself focused more on their resettlement than their journey. It could be argued, however, that resettlement is a kind of journey that carries on the transient nature of the road.
While their bonds as women and friends (and even lovers) created a family-like community of understanding, loyalty and agency, at the same time, they re-inscribed many normative family ideals. Men took a backseat in this film and were often shown in authoritarian positions, abusive roles, or hyper-sexual beings. Like Thelma and Louise, the women in this movie must perform male gendered behavior to gain independence. Jane takes on a lot of the decision making and other stereotypical masculine qualities. Holly and Robin still possess many feminine qualities and mannerisms. Holly's bi-racial baby rejects normative ideas of same-race families and paternity. Yet her happy ending with a husband and a clean slate seems to reinscribe the normal. Robin's mother represents someone who didn't fit the typical idea of a mother. She and Robin were very removed emotionally from one another and she alludes to the fact that she wasn't the best parent but it was the best she could do. All of these confirm the rejection and acceptance of normative family structure.