All this coverage on this
pregnant man hasn't only intrigued America, but it has really sparked controversy and awareness on the idea of gender association. Whereas I think it's perfectly acceptable
(who hasn't dressed in drag and performed 'The Cell Block Tango' at a charity event? ...No? So just me?), many people question if this "confusion" is appropriate for the mass media.
Oh please, as if your son isn't in the other room trying on jewelry as we speak. Anyways, I'm here to make a rebuttal. The idea of gender has always been the subject of very
popular movies. Therefore, I wanted to create a Top Ten List of
my personal favorite gendertastic performances. - Transvestites, transsexuals, and cross dressers, oh my!
10)
TransAmerica (Bree) - How could I make a list of amazing gender-bending performances and
not include Felicity Huffman's honest and genuine performance as Bree. Not only did the physical
transformation garner the
Desperate Housewife an Oscar Nomination, but it also created awareness of gender identity and acceptance. That being said, who remembers that mesmerizing scene when Bree takes a leak and her son mistakenly observes more than anticipated in the rear view mirror...?
9)
Mrs. Doubtfire (Mrs. Euphegenia Doubfire) -
"It was a drive by fruiting". Arguably one of the funniest classics of my generation. Ordinarily, I wouldn't categorize
Mrs. Doubtfire as a classic, however since this movie was released during the hay-day of my childhood, it deserves that title. It was the first time I was exposed to a man-turned-woman in a film. While he didn't necessarily win in the end, he definitely proved that gender is merely an illusion that can essentially be altered and distorted. Not to mention, Robin Williams proved once again that he can conquer any and all roles...including ones with a vagina.
8)
Psycho (Norman Bates) - Okay, so this example doesn't really give the lightest or friendliest representation of cross dressing. However, it's difficult to deny that it's definitely one of the most
memorable. Show of hands... who feared taking a shower after watching this film? Okay, good amount. Now another show of hands... who dressed up as their mother and sat in a rocking chair every evening thereafter? ...No? So just me?
7)
The Birdcage (Albert Goldman) - I have a threat to make: Diane Sawyer, you better watch your back 'cause I'm coming after your husband! Okay, that sounds more freaky than intended. But I'm completely in love with Mike Nichol's talents. Not only did he create one of the best gay comedies
ever, he helped create a character (
played Nathan Lane) that moved beyond gender "normality" and forward into a more socially acceptable way of creating movies.
6)
Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Hedwig) - Um, just look at the picture and you'll know why she made the list. John Cameron Mitchell created a sincere rock-diva who possessed the confidence and sense of self that made the movie so great. That being said, is it rude to admit that every time I see the movie, I think I'm watching Courtney Love on screen? I'm sorry, but CL has the demeanor and physical appearance of a tran-tran. Yet, she doesn't possess the charisma, heart, and beyotchness that Hedwig does
(well, maybe the beyotchness). But then again, who does?
5)
Boys Don't Cry (Brandon Teena) - Need I say more? Hillz Swank, better known as Kimberly Hannah from
Buffy The Vampire Slayer, totally conquered this role. There's a reason why she garnered her first Best Actress Oscar. Any girl who can convincingly shove a sock down her pants and stand her ground deserves all the praise she can get. In all reality though, the story of Brandon Teena is truly heartbreaking and I'm sincerely glad that the Swank can pay homage to him.
4)
Tootsie (Dorothy Michaels) - I can't tell if Dustin Hoffman looks more like my Aunt Maggie in this picture or Stockard Channing (
circa '78). Either way, I
can tell you that Hoffman hits it out of the park with this performance. However, like
Mrs. Doubtfire, this film focuses on a man's sheer desperation that eventually pushes him to do drag. If anything, Dorothy is merely going "undercover" to further his acting career. In the process, a feeling of self-discovery emerges. (
Tranny, fierce, you better work!)
3)
Hairspray (Edna Turnblad) - I know what you're thinking: "Eli, I thought last year's movie-musical was one of your
favorite films of 2007. Why didn't you choose Travolta?") The reason I chose Divine's performance was because she
created that role. She's the Drag QUEEN of John Water's films and she completely stands out in each of them. Besides, Travolta was a little too
Muppet for my taste.
2)
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Dr. Frank-N-Furter) - "
I'm just a sweet transvestite, from Transsexual Transylvania". Tim Curry probably didn't realize he would create such an iconic tranny figure. Instead, he probably thought, "just another day in my leather corset and 5 inch stilettos". Oh, how wrong he was. Midnight performances of this film are filled with Frank-N-Furter wannabes shouting, " How do you do? I see you've met my faithful handyman." By far, one of the most memorable Transsexual performances
ever. Okay, one of the
few Transsexual performances ever. But still...
1)
Some Like It Hot (Josephine and Daphne) - In my personal opinion, this is one of the best comedies ever written, but that is very much debatable. What
isn't debatable is that this prolific film paved the way for all gender-bending films. Not only was
Some Like It Hot way ahead of its time, but Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon give well-acted and hilarious performances well beyond their years. And let's be honest, if two dudes dressed like divas can hold their own against actress/porn star Marilyn Monroe, then the film
has to be great.
All in all, I'm extremely thankful that socially accepting films like these have been made, and are continuing being made in this industry. In time, perhaps our nation will follow suit.
