Kinky Boots (2005)

More than just a story about hot shoes for "men, women, and those who haven't decided yet," this movie is about embracing the true self - whoever that is. Billed as a "How far would you go to save the family business?" sort of film, you know that Charlie Price will at some point find himself desperate and will turn to what is thought of as a deviant lifestyle niche to save his company. What is unexpected, or rather "who", is Lola aka. Simon.

Lola is the transvestite expression of Simon. S/he is a perfomer in a nightclub and needs sexy footwear that will support the full weight of a man. S/he is also a choreographer and designer. The design elements of talents will bring her to Northampton where he dresses as Simon to avoid making the suburban locals uncomfortable. At first, this is very difficult because he feels so little like himself in a pair of jeans and flats, without any lipstick. Charlie is encouraging and they learn to respect each other as they work together.

In the end, it isn't Lola that needs to accept herself, it is Charlie. Both men have grown up under the weight of their father's expectations and find themselves facing fears and dreams while deciding what living with integrity means for them.

This movie is truly well done. Using what the world may generally see as an extreme lifestyle choice in juxtaposition to a "normal" life facing the same issues of being true to oneself, made their success even more of a triumph in the end.

Dressin' in Drag

This photo features Jude Law as Minx in the movie Rage. (A movie wherein the entire plot is told through narratives in different perspectives... VERY interesting methodology. However, I didn't get to finish it before it was sent back to Netflix and may revisit it another day.)

If a guy were to look you in the eyes and say, "I wanna dress in drag." Would you honestly see a problem with that? Women have been living an androgynous freedom since the cry of "equal rights for women!!" ran like lightening through the nation. It was a hard fought battle and the victories have come a little at a time, but, what's so wrong with the other way around?

Currently, most of our cultural entertainment is pushed to adore and adorn the female body. Magazines, catalogs, self-help books, and even music (like John Mayer's "Your Body is a Wonderland") make goddesses of the entire female gender. Of course, this means that as women we may feel pressure to fit some model of perfection. But, if we don't, we're free to cut our hair ultra short, go without a bra or mascara, and smoke cigars like a cowboy all while being applauded by many as courageous, independent, and free spirited.

Now, I will admit, that Jude Law is sexy on the big screen. Those blue eyes of his (especially as a widower in The Holiday) could make a girl melt to the floor. But, as Minx, I am not attracted to him... In fact, I would be more than a little wierded out if he tried to kiss me. This is probably because I am not attracted to women and not, in any way a judgement about his character or respectability just because he looks better in black hair and lipstick than I do.

When I was younger, my sisters and I used to dress up our little brothers - the hair, the make up, the dresses (the works!!) Maybe we overdid it. Maybe we curbed the curiosity for all things floral, satin, shiny, or lipstick because neither of them feels inclined to dress in our culturally labeled "feminine" outfits. Although both like to be clean and one enjoys a regular manicure.

I think that pushing the boundaries of cultural norms is a great way to re-evaluate the purposes behind the rules and the stigmas that go with them. How many men would be better nurturers of children or run a more efficient household if given the opportunity? Of course, honesty and respect for others when doing so are necessary as well. So, put away the little white lies, don a pretty lipstick, and pout for the camera. Just be ready to accept your partner's denial of the usually hungered-for kiss.