Movie of the Month :TRANSAMERICA (2005)

THERE WILL BE PEOPLE who on viewing this film will find themselves repulsed by its nature, maybe fascinated a little, or trying to nit-pick the situations that develop at the second half. But for once, finally, like its sister film Brokeback Mountain; this is a film which doesn't use the Transgendered person as the butt of a joke. At last a movie that humanizes the experience and makes it accessible to anyone who watches it regardless of gender preference.

SYNOPSIS

Bree, formerly known as Stanley, who is close to getting her lifelong dream of being a woman, except for a little problem: she has a son named Toby, a junkie and a gay prostitute, now 17 years old, who's in jail, and she must come to terms with him before taking this final step. She's none too happy: this means opening the door back to her old life as a man and she's not about to do this. The kid is a total hindrance. So she decides to keep it a secret, bail him out, drive him to Los Angeles, and be done with him.

REVIEW:

The plot line is certainly the tried and true formula of the transformational road trip, yet the irony of Bree's concurrent sexual transformation freshens a story that could easily have been cliché. Duncan Tucker, the director and writer of "Transamerica", takes a difficult subject and expanded on it. This is not exactly what any Hollywood films dare to present to a general audience since it deals with a frank approach to a subject that is not commonly seen treated so honestly and with so much integrity. Mr. Tucker shows a respectful restraint in the way he shows his story that is never shocking, or in one's face.

Bree is not as a stereotype or caricature, but as a profoundly unhappy woman uncomfortable in her own skin, in her own (estranged) family, and in her own life. She can't wait to become fully a woman, and comes across as almost tragic, as her journey with Toby places in her situations where she is unable to fully hide her secrets. Toby, for his part, couldn't care less if she were a transsexual. After all he's seen and done, he accepts Bree for who and what she is, irritated not at her transsexual status, but at her deception and hypocrisy.

Some of the big lessons to learn from this movie are that you can't judge people based on physical appearances or based on things you really aren't familiar with (such as trans-gendered people). We are all just human in the end, and we all have the same emotions, we all just want to be happy, to love someone, and to be loved. I was very happy and pleasantly surprised to see in this movie that Bree's changes are not related at all to sex. And the love she is looking for is from her family.

Felicity Huffman delivers a brave and fantastic performance of what she herself described as the role of a lifetime. She displays Bree with insecurity, pathos, fear, humour and growth which really makes one forget that they're actually looking at an actress act. Her use of non-verbal language is remarkable. While in the beginning the audience may feel that they're looking at an ugly freak, one can't help but love the character after the end credits have rolled. Though many have described Huffman's performance to be of Oscar caliber, the Oscars have rewarded many non-deserving performances. It is definitely one of the most challenging performances and one that will be remembered in the history of cinema. Kevin Zegers as Bree’s son Toby, jarringly and gruelingly portrays his physical and emotional abuse, incorruptible suffering, radiant purity, abandonment, torment, wreckage, galvanization, sexual demoralization, ravishment, brutalization, subversion, and desperate desire to be loved and understood.Elizabeth Pena, Graham Greene and Burt young stand out in small roles.

The soundtrack selections are excellent reflections of the environments the characters are in, from Latin in California, to hip hop in New York to a lovely range of Southern country and gospel, moving through Texas with a Lucinda Williams track, Native American in New Mexico, with a beautiful new Dolly Parton song over the credits.As far as production values, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the film did not look "low budget". The settings, cinematography, acting and directing was as professional as anything I've ever seen.

Independent movies have been losing some of their force during the years. They have not been making so much profit, partially because of so many blockbusters and successful franchises that are more and more often in the cinematic world. But out of all the independent films I've seen recently, "Transamerica" was the one that stayed in my mind. Whether it is a touching comedy or funny drama, it is an important film, with polemic issues and intense character development.

I was so happy to see a portrayal of a transsexual person that didn't portray them as crazy, or a psychopath or suicidal. Those who are transsexual have a great challenge in life as they not only have to endure the incongruity of the physical body with their real being, but the terrible social marginalization and I have the utmost admiration for anyone who survives such a great challenge. We must celebrate diversity in life, not try and suffocate it. This is the beginnings of peace.

Lets hope this is the beginning of future inclusions of positive roles for transsexual characters in the future. A very brave and real film that everyone should see.

Title : TRANSAMERICA

Director : Duncan Tucker

Cast : Felicity Huffman , Kevin Zegers ,Burt Young, Elizabeth Pena

Rated R for sexual content, nudity, language and drug use

Country :USA

Language:English

DVD Features :Commentary track with director Duncan Tucker
a conversation with Felicity Huffman
Blooper reel

Trailer Link : www.youtube.com/watch?v=4a7HXgYou-8

Torrent File Name:Transamerica[2005]DvDrip[Eng]-FXG

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