Guide Note

Boys Don't Cry is a critically acclaimed independent film directed by Kimberly Peirce. The film is based on the true story of a young transgender teen, Brandon Teena, who was raped and murdered in Nebraska in 1993 after being discovered by his friends that he was a biological female.

Fast Facts

1. Release date: October 22, 1999
2. Running time: 118 minutes
3. Rated: R
4. Filmed in Greenville, Texas
5. Starring: Hilary Swank, Chloe Sevigny, Peter Sarsgaard and Brendan Sexton III
6. Hillary Swank won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1999
7. Title of the film is taken from a song by The Cure
8. Diane Keaton originally wanted to direct a version of the story with Drew Barrymore as Brandon Teena

The Casting

Hundreds of actresses were considered to play the difficult role of Brandon Teena. Chloe Sevigny originally auditioned for the role, but was later cast as Teena's girlfriend Lana. Katherine Moennig and Hilary Swank also auditioned for the part, but ultimately it was Swank that got cast. For the audition Swank lied about her age and said she was from Nebraska. When confronted later about the lies, Swank responded to the director, but that's what Brandon would do. Once getting the role, Swank lived life as a man for about a month, including binding her breasts and stuffing her jeans, to prepare.

Legal Issues

The real Lana Tisdal, played by Chloe Sevigny in the film, sued the producers of the movie for invasion of privacy and unauthorized use of her name and likeness. She claimed that the film poorly portrayed her and falsely stated that she continued a relationship with Teena after discovering he was a girl. Fox Searchlight ultimately settled the lawsuit for an undisclosed sum.