I watched This Boy’s Life this evening, the 1993 movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert DeNiro. I put it on my watch list a little while ago since it’s set in the 1950s, an era I’m interested in writing in at the moment. The movie is based on a true story documented in Tobias Wolffe’s memoir of the same name (which I have not read).
The theme and narrative are also very much up my alley:
In the 1950s, Toby (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his mom, Caroline (Ellen Barkin), move to the state of Washington. There they meet mild-mannered Dwight (Robert De Niro), who falls in love with Caroline. They’re married, and, after some initial happiness in the household, it becomes apparent that Dwight believes violence is the best way to discipline his troubled stepson. Unfortunately, Caroline is unwilling to give up on her marriage. As Dwight’s abuse intensifies, Toby plans an escape.
It’s also a queer story. Not that it was advertised that way but it definitely comes up. Though the movie centers much more on the relationship Toby has with his mother (and of course his abusive stepfather).
The movie is available to watch on HBO. You can also check out the trailer:
I got in the mood for it after spending some time brainstorming for my writing this afternoon. It’s one of a list of movies I want to watch or rewatch in the era and call it research.
With Love,
Natalie