- The Mudge Boy
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The Mudge Boy
Theatrical release posterDirected by Michael Burke Written by Michael Burke Music by Marcelo Zarvos Cinematography Vanja Cernjul Editing by Affonso Gonçalves Distributed by Showtime Networks Release date(s) January 17, 2003 (Sundance) Running time 94 minutes Country United States Language English The Mudge Boy is a 2003 American film produced by Showtime. It was directed by Michael Burke and based on his 1998 short film Fishbelly White, featured in the compilation Boys Life 5. On January 17, 2003 it premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and in 2003 and 2004 it made the rounds at several gay and lesbian and independent film festivals around the United States. The region 1 DVD was released on May 9, 2006.
Contents
Plot
Duncan Mudge (Emile Hirsch) is a shy, isolated, sexually confused farm boy whose mother has recently died, leaving him under the supervision of a stern, depressed father. Duncan seems somehow to have transferred his love for the deceased mother to his favorite chicken, which he takes everywhere, even to bed. He has developed the odd habit of putting the chicken's head in his mouth -- to calm the animal, he says. Duncan also likes to dress in his late mother's clothing, much to the distress of his confused father. The small, insular band of redneck teens that comprise adolescent social life in Duncan's world initially ostracize him, then allow him in to their circle only reluctantly, and largely for their own amusement. Duncan is beset with a profound sense of grief while trying to reconcile himself to a world in which he is a sexual alien. His crush on one of the local kids, Perry (Tom Guiry), leads to a resolution of sorts.
Cast
- Emile Hirsch as Duncan Mudge
- Tom Guiry as Perry Foley
- Richard Jenkins as Edgar Mudge
- Pablo Schreiber as Brent
- Zachary Knighton as Travis
- Ryan Donowho as Scotty
- Meredith Handerhan as Tonya
- Beckie King as April
Awards
The Mudge Boy was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award and the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. It won a Grand Jury Award LA Outfest.
External links
Categories:- 2003 films
- American films
- English-language films
- American drama films
- American LGBT-related films
- 2000s drama film stubs
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