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| Normal
Year: 2003
Classification: Drama
Directed:
- Jane Anderson (II)
A kind of sense and sensibility to keep.
"Normal" is a movie about a man who feels he is a woman who is trapped in a man's body. After 25 years of marriage he decides to admit this to himself, his wife, family, co-workers, and everyone else. He then makes gradual outward changes: perfume, ear rings, longer hair, clothes, hormones, and finally a sex change to become a female. But this is not a movie for those curious about how weird these things may be, nor is just about tranvestites, although it is about that. Moreover>>> This is a love story. Not since "Boys Don't Cry" have I seen a more emotional compelling drama. Jessica Lange is exquisite as the confused and emotionally starved wife, who, with great elan, faces the situation and makes the best of it as only a midwesterner facing a crisis can do. Tom Wilkerson is magnificent as the husband. Director-writer, Jane Andersen, manages a sense of humor and appropriate old ballads to introduce scenes. Irony abounds, e.g. the church sign showing the title of the Sunday sermon, "God Loves a Challenge." Finally I think this was a difficult and controversial story which was told and acted with sensitivity, intelligence, truth, and taste. In a way it represents the sense and sensibility of our time. A memory keeper.
Unusual and worthwhile
Originally made for HBO, this unusual drama follows an Iowa couple whose lives are thrown into turmoil by the husband's revelation that he wants to change his gender. In the central roles of Roy, the husband, and Irma, his at first disbelieving, then supportive wife, Tom Wilkinson and Jessica Lange give superb performances. There is strong work by Hayden Panettiere as their sharp-tongued daughter as well. In a society where people are regularly murdered for trying to break out of their physically assigned gender roles, the relative gentleness with which Roy is treated by the obviously conservative small town where he lives seems a little optimistic. Nevertheless, the performances and an understated, observant script that avoids cliche raise this one above the level of a mere curiosity.
Inacc
mary>
I thought that "Mostly Martha" (other titles include: "Drei Sterne", and "Bella Martha") was outstanding. It showed well rounded characters, an interesting plot, a happy (though not suprising) end, and was an all around successful endeavor in film-making. I give this movie two thumbs up and suggest that everyone interested in seeing a really good film should see "Mostly Martha". Bono Appetite!
Buy Normal at Amazon.com
Buy posters at Allposters.com
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