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.

The House of Mirth (2000)

Yesterday, I experience the unsettling and beautiful movie based on a book by Edith Warton. The cinematic version was nominated for and received several awards, but the original publication was met with mixed reviews. America's wealthy felt that it 'impuned the social elite.' Indeed.

Lily Bart is the heroine of the story. She is lovely (played by Gillian Anderson), but naive. Her beauty gains her enemies more quickly than friends. The movie begins with her in the embarrassing situation of needing to marry a wealthy suitor to cover some gambling debts. We never see her play. She says that, "Bridge requires a great deal more brains than I have." And that she is "Penitent." This seems to be an honest assessment of her character. Life in high society is a high stakes game and her innocence and trusting nature fail her at every turn as she becomes prey for those who would use her. However, she also has strong ideas about love and a fortitude in chastity, integrity, and honor that leave one feeling dazzled.

This movie was terribly hard to watch. There was nothing "offensive." (It carries a PG rating.) There was no need for skin or blood or harsh words... the story is very strong on its own. It was heartbreaking to watch someone trying so desperately to live honorably, being crushed - literaly - by the gossip being pumped out by those she would not give in to. No one believed there were innocent circumstances in any case.

Reflecting on why this was so difficult for me (I'm still choking up thinking about it), religion and culture press on us that if you do the right thing, you will be rewarded for it. Hollywood thrives on the underdog story. Work hard, play nicely with others... but, how many find themselves completely shunned for nothing but someone else's vanity?

As a period piece, the costumes are stunning, the study in manner, speach, and lifestyle of this time period are impeccable (doubtless because Warton captured these things flawlessly in her writing). The love story is enchanting, and Lily Bart is a character to both admire and long for.