Released in May 1984, the official video for "Smalltown Boy" by is a landmark piece of synth-pop history that provided a raw, cinematic portrayal of the LGBTQ+ experience in Thatcher-era Britain. Directed by Bernard Rose , who also directed the controversial video for Frankie Goes to Hollywood's "Relax," this video chose a "stark" and "grounded" narrative over the glamorous aesthetics common on MTV at the time. Video Narrative & Plot
: The man and his friends later track the boy down and subject him to a violent homophobic attack in an alleyway.
Bronski Beat, “Smalltown Boy” | 1980s Music Video Closet
: At a local swimming pool, the boy's friends dare him to approach a handsome diver. He later makes a pass at the man in the locker room, but the man reacts with hostility.
Released in May 1984, the official video for "Smalltown Boy" by is a landmark piece of synth-pop history that provided a raw, cinematic portrayal of the LGBTQ+ experience in Thatcher-era Britain. Directed by Bernard Rose , who also directed the controversial video for Frankie Goes to Hollywood's "Relax," this video chose a "stark" and "grounded" narrative over the glamorous aesthetics common on MTV at the time. Video Narrative & Plot
: The man and his friends later track the boy down and subject him to a violent homophobic attack in an alleyway.
Bronski Beat, “Smalltown Boy” | 1980s Music Video Closet
: At a local swimming pool, the boy's friends dare him to approach a handsome diver. He later makes a pass at the man in the locker room, but the man reacts with hostility.