The Boys in the Band cast defends use of ‘reprehensible’ language in new Netflix film
Forthcoming movie is based on the 1968 Tony award-winning Broadway play of the same name
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
The cast of new Netflix film The Boys in the Band have spoken about its use of “reprehensible language”, calling it “essential”.
The forthcoming movie is based on the Tony award-winning play of the same name.
Speaking to Digital Spy, one of the film’s stars Zachary Quinto explained that while it is “truly not nice” to hear or say, the language is a key part of the story.
The Boys in the Band follows a group of nine gay men in New York City in the Sixties, who gather for a birthday party that is interrupted when the host’s college roommate turns up uninvited.
Netflix’s new movie, produced by American Horror Story's Ryan Murphy, stays faithful to the original 1968 text.
Quinto said: “I think it's important because it's a reflection of where society was at that time which was not that long ago. As a bellwether for how far we've come and how much we've integrated ideas of respect and inclusivity, I think that we can't shy away from it.”
He added: "It characterises this as a real period piece in the truest sense. Some of these characters talk in ways that are really ultimately reprehensible."
Co-star Michael Benjamin Washington shared the same view, stating that the movie must “honour the time period and social mores of the time”.
Director Joe Mantello revealed that there was an alternative cut of the film which removed the racist language, however, Mantello decided to keep it in after speaking with Washington.
"[Washington] made some very helpful suggestions about it and while I would never do anything to cause pain, to cause anyone's pain, I felt it was a crucial part of the story because it shows the cost of oppression and how people act out," said Mantello.
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
He continued: "It's not pretty and it's brutal and it's savage. It felt absolutely essential to the time and to this particular story and to help illuminate what The Boys in the Band was about."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments