Have you ever known anybody who wanted to be different than they were? Of course you have. Then have you ever known someone who wanted to be the opposite of what they were? Surely, most of you have. Lastly, have you ever been attracted to someone who changed their gender identity? No, being drunk does not count. Then again, I will let it slide if you’ve been to Thailand. You may think I’m being insensitive but actually look at the men who underwent gender reassignment surgery in Thailand, they’re gorgeous. Today, I bring to you the tale of The Danish Girl.
This biographical drama is directed by Tom Hooper. It stars Academy Award winner Eddie Redmayne and Alicia Vikander. In early 1920’s Copenhagen, Einar Wegener becomes the subject of his wife Gerda’s painting. Inspiring as art tends to be, Einar becomes very engrossed in his role. So much so that, jokingly, the name of Lili is bestowed upon him. Lili is her true identity and she goes on live as Lili Elbe for the rest of her life. As the movie goes, an art dealer named Hans Axgil makes an appearance and starts a love triangle with the couple. Don’t worry though, this is more about Elbe’s identity as a woman rather than a romance…I hope. Eventually, Ms. Elbe undergoes the first ever male to female gender reassignment surgery.
As a movie, it keeps its visuals and aesthetics on point. For example, to show the growing curiosity of Einar, the camera does close-ups of Redmayne caressing the fabric of a dress. In every other shot, the focus of the camera is always kept on the primary subject while keeping clean, as in the wide shots take in extra background scenery but remain visually pleasing or interesting. In the trailer, there is a shot of Vikander catching Redmayne locked in a kiss. The shot has the background out of focus but you can tell there is a hand-crafted life-sized horse there. It looks like the horse has turned its head to see Gerda just caught off-guard.
Redmayne impresses while exploring the identity of Elbe. There are several challenges as expected like the scene with the two men who are most likely bigots. It’s actually cut into two shots but the background looks the same. A sense of fear and/or uncomfortability is felt throughout that particular scene because there is that possibility of prejudiced attack. The two men even confront him. Redmayne and Vikander have great chemistry as close friends as far as I can tell. Vikander is the best friend who supports your well-being at the sacrifice of her own happiness. She feels it’s more important to support Lili’s awakening than to be selfish about the loss of her husband. It’s admirable and the real life Gerda did in fact support Lili’s change. However, she cries in certain scenes and looks off camera in others, suggesting her inner turmoil over losing her husband.
There’s nothing here to complain about, unless you’re nitpicky. The only thing I can think to criticize is the love triangle that is mentioned in the movie description. It’s Hollywood, they assume you can’t enjoy a movie without some basic intrigue. True or not, this story (or at least this trailer) keeps the focus where it should be and that is on Lili Elbe.
The Danish Girl comes out November 27th 2015 in the U.S and January 1st 2016 in the U.K. For worldwide release dates, click here.
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(top image source: Focus Features)
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