andrewjmarr
I loved this film. I really loved this film. In fact it is in my top 5 and I don't even like musicals. Somehow I resisted the urge in Blockbusters to rent it on its original release but something about the cover and blurb intrigued me. Fast forward 18 years and I righted that wrong. It is a compelling watch from start to finish. The songs actually help tell the story as do the short animated sequences. This film is so many things. It is genuinely moving, I actually cried at the end, something I never do at films. It explores interesting themes of identity, sexuality, self awareness and love with such a light touch that you don't feel it is a vehicle for a polemic. I have listened to the songs on Spotify since and they are much stronger than I originally thought on first listen via our oldish TV. This film feels incredibly fresh and original. It is also beautifully acted and shot.
Vinicius Andrade
John Cameron Mitchell wrote and starred Hedwig and the Angry Inch, the musical opened Off-Broadway in 1998. The soundtrack was created by Stephen Trask. The show a considerable number of important awards, resulting in a movie with a same name three years later. John C. Mitchell also starred and directed it. Most of the actors and actresses use outfits and lots of make-up, the people responsible for turning visually the cast into the characters did an incredible work. Those which stand out are Hedwig with the clothing, make- ups and wigs along with Miriam Shor portraying a man, Yitzhak, it's barely noticeable that a male character is being played by a woman. There're some scenes which were filmed using different, but still interesting, angles and techniques, providing an artistic tone and making the movie more unique. Regarding the musical presentations, there're both recorded audio and live performances. John C. Mitchell preferred that way instead of just having lip-sync shows to the passion and energy of the songs do not go unnoticed.Behind the make-ups, costumes, wigs and musical performances, there's a story which isn't just shallow and empty, but has certain depth, which induces you to think, talking about the search of love and your self- acceptance. Due to her strong personality and charisma, Hedwig affects you right from the start. As the film goes on, you get to know more about her and by the end you probably will very emotional and sympathized with her. John Cameron Mitchell did an outstanding performance to bring Hedwig to life, he succeeded in passing the whirlwind of emotions that Hedwig had as a result of her difficult and traumatic life.
lois-lane33
I thought the music in this film was not bad-maybe a bit 'draggy' at times (pardon the pun)- but as the film draws to an end the true nature-the true not Transgender nature of the person playing the lead comes out. Ooops. I was hoping it would actually have been a Transgender person-but rather it was an actor playing a Transgender person-albeit effectively-but in this day an age if you want to represent an Asian person in a movie for example you don't use facial prosthetics on a Caucasian actor's eyes-you hire an Asian actor. David Bowie's involvement in the play this movie was based on makes it noteworthy in the minds of fans of David Bowie. There is Bowiesque music in it but I am hearing more Lou Reed aka CBGB's NYC punk circa 1970-which isn't bad-but again-it isn't actually rock tunes written by a Transgender musician. In a way I think this film defines the worst kind of scam-in another way its just good harmless fun. A drag queen called Jinx Monsoon or something close to that seemed to have been the only person with an 'alternate sexuality' involved with this play at any level at any venue & it has played at a few. One of the musicians in the band appeared to be a 'drag king' but other than that there was nobody else 'different.' I wondered if it was based on someone real but if it was that was never mentioned-or I missed it. Cute film-but it was what it was, so I just gave it a five. Some of the dialogue was...thoughtful-but it didn't come from a ...you get the picture.
bwdude
I can't believe that this movie is so little known.Not only has it got pinches of the "Rocky Horror Picture Show" and "Tommy", it also plays in the same league as the above. Storywise AND music-wise that is.I saw it at a friend's house just recently and could not believe that I never had heard of it before. When I further discovered, that I was humming "The Origin of Love" the whole next day without even noticing, I ordered the DVD and Soundtrack right away. Since it's a 2001-movie, I got both at a very reasonable price. Can't wait until they arrive and I can see it again in Dolby Surround.It's original, it's witty, the songs are great, why don't you check it out right away? You won't be disappointed!I'd give it a well-earned 10, but I have to deduct 1 for John Cameron Mitchell's unshaved armpits ... an absolute no-go for a "girl".
AD
