Worried About the Boy

In 2010, a biopic drama film titled 'Worried About the Boy' was released, starring Douglas Booth as Boy George, Jonny Burt as Mikey Craig, and Mathew Horne as Jon Moss. The film is directed by Julian Jarrold, known for 'Becoming Jane' and 'Brideshead Revisited.'

The movie tells the story of Boy George's early years before he became famous as the lead singer of the band Culture Club. The film chronicles the youth in London in the 1980s, capturing the essence of the New Romantic culture of the time. The movie depicts how Boy George was influenced by artists such as David Bowie, Marc Bolan and Lou Reed.

The film begins with Boy George, then known as George O'Dowd, as an aspiring musician working in a dry cleaner's shop. He is the oddball of his family, and is often ridiculed by his father for his eccentric behavior, which includes cross-dressing. However, he finds solace in his friendship with Marilyn, a fellow New Romantic, and the pair go clubbing every night.

As the film unfolds, we see George and his friends growing in confidence, building their looks and defining their style. We see how George evolves his androgynous appearance, culminating in him dressing as a nun on stage, and his music takes on new depth and meaning. The film depicts the evolution of a persona that will one day transcend in the music world.

The film also tackles controversial subjects such as Boy George's drug addiction and the societal stigma around homosexuality at the time. The film showcases in a frank way how the British police would often target gay men for being gay, restricting their freedom and unique lifestyles. Boy George's story reflects the explosive music scene in Britain and the challenges young LGBQT+ people faced.

The acting in this movie is superb. Booth gives an outstanding performance that immerses the viewer in George's world, painting him as not only a colourful and vibrant character but also one who is flawed and struggling with addiction, selfishness and relationship honing in on his humanity. Jonny Burt and Mathew Horne both depict their roles perfectly with humor and poise throughout the film in contrast with George's ultra-serious antics.

The film also boasts fantastic production quality, which sets the scene for the era in which it is set. The color palette is vibrant, and the soundtrack brings to life the iconic music of the era. Each shot is polished and refined, giving a cinematic feel to the movie.

In conclusion, 'Worried About the Boy' is an engaging, charming and thought-provoking movie that provides a fascinating insight into the journey of Boy George, who evolved from a struggling musician with a unique fashion sense to a global superstar who has captivated countless music-lovers around the world. The film humanizes George, providing deeper context to his music and his larger-than-life character while placing it in the historic time period.