Rob and I have decided to make a twist on the challenge where we will be looking at Oscar related films first before moving into going back to look at different Oscar winners from the past.
Writer: Lucinda Coxon (Screenplay) David Ebershoff (Novel)
Starring: Alicia Vikander, Eddie Redmayne, Tusse Silberg, Adrian Schiller, Amber Heard, Emerald Fennel, Ben Whishaw, Matthias Schoenaerts
Plot: A fictitious love story inspired by the lives of Danish artists Lili Elbe and Gerda Wegener. Lili and Gerda’s marriage and work evolve as they navigate Lili’s groundbreaking journey as a transgender pioneer.
There may be spoilers the rest of the review
Verdict: Inspiring Story
Story: The Danish Girl starts in Copenhagen 1926 with artists Gerda (Vikander) and Einar (Redmayne) a married couple whose relationship is different to everyone else for the time period. Einar has a fascination with dressing as a woman that his wife embraces it for a night turning Einar into Lili. Things get complicated when Einar decides that he enjoys dressing like the woman against his wives wishes at first.
When Lili makes Gerda a bigger name in the art world the couple move to Paris as Einar struggles with his art work an old friend and now current art dealer Hans Axgil (Schoenaerts) gives them a chance to push him back into the art world. As Einar embraces his Lili side we get to see how Gerda is struggling with it but in the end we see how Einar was one of the pioneers in transgender decision making.
The Danish Girl shows the inspiration story showing how one man’s determination to be transformed into a woman gained the movement which is popular today. How Einar got to the moment of transformation shows how naïve humans were to this issue back in the 1920s as they tried to make him a mental patient. This really is a difficult watch because the subject matter is something people will not want to see. Overall the story really is inspiration for anyone who is going through the same mind set.
Actor Review
Alicia Vikander: Gerda is the Danish artist married to Einar who wants to support her husband even as he is going through his identity crisis, she uses his new identity to grow her art work but then supports him as he searches for the final transformation. Alicia gives us an incredible performance in this role.
Eddie Redmayne: Einar/Lili, Einar is the Danish artist married to Gerda, he has a fascination with dressing and being a woman, enter Lili his female side that he starts by flaunting at party before it takes over and Lili becomes the real person as one of the first transgender in the world. Eddie gives us a stunning performance showing the transformation needed for the role.
Ben Whishaw: Henrik is the young man that Lili attracts but Lili doesn’t know how to deal with any relationship. Ben gives us a good supporting performance without getting too much screen time.
Amber Heard: Ulla is a friend of the couple, she encourages them to just both be happy and tries to help with the situation. Amber gives us a good supporting performance.
Support Cast: The Danish Girl has a good supporting cast that all offer Einar a chance to get his dream.
Director Review: Tom Hooper – Tom gives us yet another brilliant period piece that will get all the praise is deserves.
Biographical: The Danish Girl shows the incredible story behind one of the world’s first transgender.
Romance: The Danish Girl shows the love between Einar and Gerda even going through the personal decision Einar wanted to make.
Chemistry: The Danish Girl Einar and Gerda have brilliant chemistry through the film.
Settings: The Danish Girl creates the settings to make us feel like we are in the current time period of each country they go to.
Suggestion: The Danish Girl is one film I would say watch even if it does have its difficult moments for the casual fan. (Watch)
Best Part: Redmayne and Vikander’s performances.
Worst Part: Difficult subject matter.
Favourite Quote: Henrik ‘I’ve only know a few people in my life and you’ve been two of them’.
Believability: Based on the real people involved.
Chances of Tears: No
Chances of Sequel: No
Post Credits Scene: No
Awards: Nominated for 3 Golden Globes including Best Actor/Actress and Original Score
Oscar Chances: Will be up for nomination.
Budget: $25 Million
Runtime: 1 Hour 59 Minutes
Tagline: Find the courage to be yourself.
Overall: Inspiring story about making the change for yourself
Rating