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.]
