"...the pain that cuts a straight line down through the heart. We call it
love."
Raised in East Germany during the Cold War, a young Hansel Schmidt found mental
escape and inspiration from listening to glam rockers like Lou Reed, Iggy Pop
and David Bowie. He then found actual real life escape by marrying an American
soldier and moving to America. Unfortunately, in order to pass the physical to
get married, he underwent a botched reassignment surgery that left her with a
one inch lump of skin where his ping-ding used to be. Once in America, the
marriage (built on such a strong foundation) fails and Hansel (now Hedwig)
starts performing original songs in whatever small venue will have her.
That is where our tale begins.
I absolutely love HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH...all the way up until the Tommy
Gnosis character shows up. I felt that way two decades ago when I first saw this
film and I've felt it the dozen or so times I've watched it again over the
years. It starts out so strong and just gets better and
better! One great song after another, each presented in such imaginative
ways that effortlessly pushes the story forward. Then Tommy Gnosis shows
up and the movie putters to an unsatisfactory end. It's
disappointing. Still, I love the character of Hedwig. And her band
(even though they aren't the focus of the film) are all so unique and
likable. Another positive thing is I cannot even decide which song I love
the most. They're all so great! Wig in a Box, Angry Inch,
Tear Me Down, Sugar Daddy, The Origin of Love, Wicked Little Town, Midnight
Radio, In Your Arms Tonight, Exquisite Corpse...I mean, goddamn, how can one
musical have so many awesome songs?! If I had to pick just one performance
from the film, I'd have to say Sugar Daddy. The song with it's Country
twang is great and the performance in the film is beyond charming and
funny. I smile my handsome smile the entire time.
"It's a car wash, ladies and gentlemen." Holy shit, that scene is
perfect.
Long story, short: HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH is a great film and 100% mandatory
for anybody who loves glam musicals. I personally find the last act to be
disappointing, but who knows, maybe you'll love it. Now, if you'll excuse me,
I'm going to go spend the rest of the day singing the soundtrack to my cat,
Susie. "I put on some make-up..."
[I just wanted to add that Michael Pitt does a fine job in his portrayal of the
Tommy Gnosis character, I just straight-up didn't think the character needed to
be in the film at all. Hedwig's personal journey was already enough
material for a film.]