As part of his ongoing look at groundbreaking films from 1999, host Scott Detrow speaks with Kimberly Peirce, the writer-director of Boys Don't Cry.

The film starred Hillary Swank, who won an Oscar for her portrayal of Brandon Teena, a young transgender man searching for himself and love in Nebraska.

Peirce talks about the challenges she faced in getting the movie made and her efforts to find a transgender man to play the lead role in the film.

Detrow also speaks with critic Willow Catelyn Maclay, who sees the film's legacy as complicated.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy