​FILMS

the danish girl

A beautiful and elegant Danish girl

2016 review number 20:

The Danish Girl: (Drama/Romance): 82 out of 100: Long before Caitlyn Jenner made the news as a high profile transgender individual, Lili Erbe, born as Einar Wegener, was one of the first identifiable recipients of sex reassignment surgery. Einar was a successful artist under that name and was known throughout his native Denmark. This biopic is based on David Ebershoff's novel of the same name with many aspects of the story being recreated for dramatic purposes. Regardless of this fact, the fictional version of Lili's life results in an intriguing and compelling adaptation that is propelled by the dominant performances of its lead actors, Eddie Redmayne and Alicia Vikander.

 

Landscape artist Einar Wegener (Eddie Redmayne) is happily married to portrait artist Gerda Wegener (Alicia Vikander) whom he met at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen when they were young students. She is struggling to forge a career when her fortunes change after her husband poses as a lady named Lili. Einar feels that he is a woman on the inside and begins to attend social functions as Lili. Lili is confused with her identity and seeks to transform physically into a woman. 

 

Redmayne convincingly makes the transformation from man to woman, that he physically resembles actress Jessica Chastain! His performance is warm and emotional, allowing the audience to feel what his character is enduring. Some people have complained that he smiles too often in his performance but this actually helps in bringing the allure out of Einar/Gerda. Vikander is superb as his wife running through the gamut of emotions to effect a moving and touching portrayal of Gerda. 

 

The thought-provoking theme of gender confusion is handled sensitively by writer Lucinda Coxon and director Tom Hooper. You might remember him from directing the Best Picture winner The King's Speech from 2010. He is proficient in directing character pieces and The Danish Girl is no exception. There is a lull during the middle act when Einar is making the full transformation to Lili but repetition finally gives way to a more satisfying conclusion. 

 

This is a technically beautiful film with its elegant costume designs and elaborate set decorations so it's no surprise that it's been nominated for Oscars in these two categories. The biggest surprise is how Alexandre Desplat has missed out on a nomination for his magnificent orchestral music score. If you enjoy your scores, you'll be staying right until the end of the credits to savour this majestic musical delight.

 

The Danish Girl might have taken liberties with the retelling of Einar Wegener's/Lili Erbe's life but the excellent dramatisation ensures that viewers will follow the characters and story with immense interest. It's a beautiful film on so many levels that it would be a shame if you avoid seeing it due to the controversial subject matter. 

 

Starring Eddie Redmayne and Alicia Vikander

(119 minutes)

Parental advice: Nudity, sex scene, adult themes and violence

Additional scene during or after credits: No

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d88APYIGkjk (Movie trailer)

 

(Reviewed on Saturday 30th January, 2016)

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