IMDb RATING
6.2/10
4.4K
YOUR RATING
Based on the novel "Dream Boy" by Jim Grimsley, this film chronicles the relationship between two gay teenagers in the rural south in the late 70's.Based on the novel "Dream Boy" by Jim Grimsley, this film chronicles the relationship between two gay teenagers in the rural south in the late 70's.Based on the novel "Dream Boy" by Jim Grimsley, this film chronicles the relationship between two gay teenagers in the rural south in the late 70's.
- Awards
- 2 wins
Maximillian Roeg
- Roy
- (as Max Roeg)
Rooney Mara
- Evelyn
- (as Tricia Mara)
Michele Adams
- Mother of Three Kids
- (uncredited)
Robin Blanchard
- Cafeteria Worker
- (uncredited)
Sean M. Blanchard
- Student
- (uncredited)
Tony Lawson
- Teacher
- (uncredited)
Jaci LeJeune
- Student
- (uncredited)
Elizabeth Lynch
- Church Goer
- (uncredited)
Bridget Nichols
- Cafeteria Worker
- (uncredited)
Emily Nichols
- Student
- (uncredited)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaRooney Mara's feature film debut (portrays Evelyn).
- GoofsThe story is set in the 1970s, but the car shown in the opening scenes is a Buick Roadmaster station wagon, which was produced from 1991 to 1996. Also, the refrigerator shown is a modern model, not one from the 70s.
- SoundtracksMoment
Written and performed by Richard Buckner
Vocals by Patty Griffin
Additional recording by Craig Ross
Mixed by Jon Marshall Smith
Published by Richard Buckner (BMI) administered by Bug
Patty Griffin appears courtesy of ATO Records
Featured review
Near perfect depiction of young, inarticulate love
People watch movies for different reasons. Some people like an elaborate, fast-paced plot. Others enjoy the visual and audio experience. I am the kind of movie watcher who enjoys a well executed and consistent tone and mood. In "Dream Boy," the mood is both melancholy and sweet and there is a constant, if not always apparent, hint of anxiety and apprehension that builds throughout the movie. Capturing a mood is very difficult, and it relies on a number of factors including acting, cinematography, and music. While the acting of the supporting cast in "Dream Boy" can be somewhat inconsistent, the acting of the two main characters, Roy (Max Roeg) and Nathan (Stephan Bender), is very strong. I was particularly impressed with Bender whose performance reminds me of Gabourey Sidibe in "Precious." While it is true that the awkward, inarticulate teenager is well-trod territory in gay cinema, I've never seen the role acted so flawlessly. I was completely convinced that Bender was Nathan. Here we have a rare example of the kind of role that doesn't seem "acted" at all; it's as if Bender embodies the character. Sadly, I think actors with roles that are over-the-top, histrionic, and melodramatic often get the most praise, but it seems equally if not more difficult to portray a shy, introverted character, and the actors who really nail these roles often don't get the recognition they deserve (re: Heath Ledger in Brokeback Mountain). I've read some criticism that Bender's performance was "wooden," and it strikes me that if you were not an awkward, inarticulate teenager you might not be able to identify with the performance, but if you were the kind of kid who stayed inside most of the day you will probably find the portrayal of your former self incredibly accurate and moving.
There is a lot of attention paid to subtle, non-verbal forms of communication - glances, stares, half-smiles, physical contact - all of which create a much more realistic depiction of young, gay love than the more chatty gay coming-of-age movies that I'm used to seeing. All of that being said, I understand the disappointment with the ambiguous denouement, but plots are relatively tangential for me. If the actors and director manage to depict a convincing mood, then that is all I need to be satisfied, and they have certainly done that with "Dream Boy."
There is a lot of attention paid to subtle, non-verbal forms of communication - glances, stares, half-smiles, physical contact - all of which create a much more realistic depiction of young, gay love than the more chatty gay coming-of-age movies that I'm used to seeing. All of that being said, I understand the disappointment with the ambiguous denouement, but plots are relatively tangential for me. If the actors and director manage to depict a convincing mood, then that is all I need to be satisfied, and they have certainly done that with "Dream Boy."
helpful•272
- timothyjasonarnold
- Sep 18, 2011
- How long is Dream Boy?Powered by Alexa
Details
Box office
- Budget
- $1,200,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $6,534
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $2,243
- Mar 28, 2010
- Gross worldwide
- $6,534
- Runtime1 hour 28 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content