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Some may think that the idea of a musical based on the exploits of a trans-gender German rock star may not sound too hot - they would be deeply mistaken! Without wishing to sound too gushy or histrionic - this is one of the greatest pieces of cinema ever created! If you do not like this film then you may as well stop watching movies.
The character of Hedwig was originally created as a piece of transvestite performance art but became an off-Broadway success when the character and songs created were transposed into a slightly more formal format. With the freedom of film its creator and star John Cameron Mitchell has revelled in making an incredible and obviously highly personal film. Every single frame, each line of dialogue, the songs, the performances are all honed to perfection and leave you wondering how a film like this could be so criminally overlooked by the mainstream. But then Hedwig does sail pretty close to the wind and tackles weighty issues such as child abuse, alienation and gender identification in a touching yet amusing way which no Hollywood film ever would or could get away with.
The film tracks Hedwig's life from his childhood in Berlin through to his eventual redemption from becoming a twisted and bitter rock singer. This is done through a variety of flash backs and songs as we follow Hedwig on his tour of small-town American diners. Mitchell's direction is incredible he blends all sorts of clever camera trickery together giving the film a strong fantasy feel yet he retains a humanistic touch - never allowing the flights of fancy to detract from the character driven story. Ultimately for all of his clever direction it is the emotional value of the film however that pays off. The characters are brilliant and create a true empathy with the audience allowing humour and irony into issues which would otherwise be considered too difficult to tackle. At 89 minutes in length Mitchell recognises the limitations of his art and keeps the whole thing snappy and satisfyingly tight never allowing the audience to dwell too long on the self pity often evinced by Hedwig. The eventual epiphany at the conclusion of the film is a brilliant and uplifting closure on this most unusual of films. It is also worth noting that the music is absolutely brilliant - all styles of music are covered and the writing is exceptional from NY punk Steven Tasker.
Fair enough, musicals are not everybody's cup of tea but I would still suggest giving this film a go. If you do not enjoy the format - it is surely better to waste time watching a film that is genuinely trying to say something and believes in its own voice than some of the dross that passes for film today.
RATING: (c)Matt C 2002
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Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Cinema: November 2001)
