WATCH ALONG: Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Comments (4)
FYI, Hedwig’s husband is played by a woman - Miriam Shor. She’s not trans. I think that’s an important statement on the irrelevance of gender that the film is trying to communicate. John Cameron Mitchell (writer/director/star-Hedwig) has made some amazing films exploring sexuality. Shortbus is a great one but you could never do a reaction to it. I can’t see how it could be effectively cut for a Youtube video. It’s far too explicit. He asked the actors who they were attracted to and had them improv their relationships. Then Mitchell wrote the script. The actors really had sex on screen, and a lot of it. But that’s not the point. It’s not a porn film. And it’s as deep as Hedwig. I highly recommend watching it.
Hedwig is she/her, not he/him. No judgement, just a correction
While I’ve often referred to Hedwig as “she,” I would say that the best pronoun would be “they.” It’s true that she appears to identify as female for much of the film, but I think the point is that gender is a mystery for Hedwig. Hansel gets a sex change operation just to get out of East Berlin. It wasn’t a choice based on gender identity. In the end of the film Hedwig accepts themself as a whole person, and that person is not necessarily male or female. Gender and sexuality is irrelevant. At least that’s my take.
You’re timing is perfect on this one as it’s the 25th anniversary of the movie’s release. There’s a “Rocky Horror Picture Show” shadow cast in Los Angeles that usually does this movie. All your points about it are absolutely spot on.