The Mudge Boy (2003)

Sensitive, somewhat effeminate farm-boy Duncan Mudge (14) can barely cope with grim, since ma's death even gloomier father Edgar's 'manly' expectations, and seeks comfort in petting a ... See full summary »

Director:

Michael Burke

Writer:

Michael Burke

Stars:

Emile Hirsch, Tom Guiry, Richard Jenkins

1 win & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Emile Hirsch	...	Duncan Mudge
Tom Guiry	...	Perry Foley (as Thomas Guiry)
Richard Jenkins	...	Edgar Mudge
Pablo Schreiber	...	Brent
Zachary Knighton	...	Travis
Ryan Donowho	...	Scotty
Meredith Handerhan	...	Tonya
Beckie King	...	April
Sandra Gartner	...	Lydia Mudge
Tara O'Reilly	...	Emily Foley
Barbara Lloyd	...	Irene Blodgett
Sam Lloyd	...	Ray Blodgett
Hannah Franzoni	...	Tracey Foley
George Woodard	...	Merrit Foley
Munson Hicks	...	Minister

Storyline

Sensitive, somewhat effeminate farm-boy Duncan Mudge (14) can barely cope with grim, since ma's death even gloomier father Edgar's 'manly' expectations, and seeks comfort in petting a chicken he associates with his late ma. Macho mate Perry Foley, who has it physically even harder on his dad's farm, usually comforts Duncan and defends his 'wimpiness' to their cocky ruffian 'mates' Travis, Scotty and Brent. But although clearly attracted to gentle gentile Ducan himself, the socially unacceptable suggestion of 'sissy' homosexuality makes Perry over-react and turn on his friend, confusing for both

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Plot Keywords:

farm | fur coat | death | misfit | chicken | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong sexual content including graphic dialogue, a rape, and language

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

2010 (Belgium)

Also Known As:

Anyja fia

Filming Locations:

Rutland, Vermont, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$800,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

First Cold Press Productions, Showtime Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

94 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

Michael Burke developed the screenplay for the film at a Sundance Labs in 2000. Burke says of inspiration for the film: "Growing up in rural Vermont, I wanted to tell a story about a kid too sensitive for the harsh environment in which he was raised."

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Quotes

Duncan Mudge: [to Perry] Do you ever think about kissing me?

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Connections

References The Magilla Gorilla Show (1964)

User Reviews

It was if I was looking in a mirror

This film has given me the inspiration to find a writer and help me to find a way to tell a story that is so similar,that story being my life. I felt every emotion, I felt the pain and the heartache of doing anything to fit in. But my life went further starting at a very young age. I too did things with males relatives, had things done to me by neighbor boys, friends of the family, and strangers; just to be told this didn't happen, and if anyone finds out you will pay. There is so much to tell, and I am today so glad that for the first time I can look on the screen and see that there are others that have felt the loneliness, the rejection, the confusion, and the guilt, that a young boy had to endure just to fit in. Duncan isn't the only so called "freak" or "weirdo". Just to feel Duncan again I will see "MUDGE BOY" again tomorrow.

Thank you to Mr Burke for finally being so bold, all my life I sat in dark cinemas looking for that one film that would let me know I wasn't alone, these things happened to others too. Thank you again for this great piece of cinema.