Poster Boy
Poster Boy

Poster Boy

2004Movie98 minEnglish

The gay son of a conservative senator who is also the poster boy for his father's re-election unknowingly befriends a gay activist bent on destroying the hypocritical campaign.

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Insights

IMDb5.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes53%
Metacritic56/100
Google Users40%
Director: Gregg ArakiGenres: Drama, Comedy

Plot Summary

A young, gay TV star named Henry is living a seemingly perfect life, but he is secretly struggling with his identity and his past. He is haunted by the memory of a traumatic childhood event involving his abusive mother and a mysterious stranger. As his fame grows, his carefully constructed facade begins to crumble, leading him down a path of self-destruction and a desperate search for truth and acceptance.

Critical Reception

Poster Boy received mixed to positive reviews, with critics often praising Araki's distinctive visual style and provocative themes, though some found the narrative uneven and overly melodramatic. The performances, particularly Asia Argento's, were generally well-regarded.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its bold visual aesthetic and Araki's signature transgressive style.
  • Some found the film's plot convoluted and its thematic explorations occasionally muddled.
  • Asia Argento's performance was a standout, adding intensity to the character's turmoil.

Google audience: Audience reviews indicate a divided response, with some appreciating the film's artistic ambition and dark humor, while others found it too disturbing or difficult to connect with emotionally.

Fun Fact

The film was screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival.

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