When Boys Fly

Everybody has an opinion about the whole Circuit Party craze, but often the films about the subject are basically made by a bunch of apologists. Apparently, none of these guys are able to really find community unless it's accompanied by drugs and sex. Oh, and being white and having a great body doesn't hurt either. This documentary (which at times seems a bit forced) aspires to be hard hitting, but it's yet another version of "Valley of the Dolls."

This documentary is mercifully short and concise. I am ambivalent about some of the characters. People like Brandon seem like a nice guy, but the documentary strives to make him look like an outsider when, with his looks and body, he's already rather clearly an object of desire. (All the forced shots of him eating alone while gazing upon the gay guys at another table and of him painting in a field are supposed to emphasize his "outside looking in" status but end up looking artificial. We KNOW the camera is there, and we know he is the subject so it's hardly a revealing shot of some candid moments.) His conversion to the circuit scene happens rather quickly although he does come across to me as the smartest of the group.

The less said about Jon and Todd the better. The filmmakers telegraphed the denouement of their relationship so far in advance that we knew exactly what would happen. How each man handled what happened was the real surprise. I found myself hoping Jon is doing well.

And then there's Tone, whom we are supposed to see as the tragic character, but instead he's incredibly annoying. Nothing about him seems real, every moment he is mugging for the camera (there is a scene with him trying to be funny while eating an apple that comes off as bizarre and very forced.) Tone is really nothing more than a real life Neely O'Hara, at least as the film wants us to believe. I wouldn't doubt that he got into a wig pulling fight with Susan Hayward in the lavatory.

No need to see this and Circuit, see one or the other. This documentary really has nothing new to say.

This shallow film about the gay "circuit" scene is a badly directed, filmed and edited flick about a subculture that may be interesting, but is ultimately incredibly unsympathetic.

I honestly can't stand these people, a sorry group of low-rent white trash. Toned bodies do not make a man, and the low intellect of the subjects, along with their total lack of class, make this a difficult film to watch.

The vacant eyes, moronic expressions and idiotic behavior of the "subjects" are appalling, and the fact that the "filmmakers" possibly risked the lives of some of the guys, on occasion, is quite disturbing.

And, has anyone seen a more pitiful gay man than "Todd"??????

I showed this to some 20-somethings who harken from small towns and are currently going to school where the closest gay bar is 3 hours away.

My purpose was to expose them to one aspect of gay life that is the topic of much discussion, as well as experience, so that, at the very least, if they are ever confronted with this aspect of gay life and its various situations that are integral to it, they can at least make an "informed choice".

They certainly got into the "cuteness" of the physiques, and were quick to point out how the younger lad of the couple was totally into his older partner just by the way the younger lad looked into his partner's eyes.

But the drug use and the antics of the "gay party boys" drew strong negative response.

I don't know that this movie affected my 20-somethings to the point that they will never attend a Circuit Party; I do know that they don't view Circuit Parties as something "mysterious"/"intriguing" - filled with adventure and lust and romance - even a gay rite of passage.

I saw this film while visiting London. (It was at the film festival there.) Literally, I stood up and applauded when it was over. You really feel like you get to know who these people really are... it's very open, honest and raw. One of my friends told me it was on DVD and I ordered it today! I am very picky about what DVD's I buy... usually Criterion Collection only. See this film. No matter who you are--you will relate.

As a gay 20-something, watching this film was one of the most eye-opening experiences I have ever had. I never quite understood the appeal of the circuit party scene. In some ways, I still don't. What is so fun about getting so trashed you have to be taken to the hospital on a stretcher?

I always thought I was missing something - left out - by not experiencing this part of gay culture. However, this brief excursion into these boys' lives is enough experience I will ever need.

The film is engaging throughout and excellently edited, keeping the film rolling faster than its lead subjects. As shallow and confused and lonely as most of these boys appear to be, they are incredibly interesting and fun to watch.

My problem with documentaries is that frequently they use a lot of filler to make a longer film, but with the 62-minute run time of "When Boys Fly," it's just enough to set the scene, make a point, and leave the audience with a great high.