Eddie Redmayne stars in The Danish Girl |
A Life Authentic
Rotten Tomatoes Plot: The remarkable love story inspired by the lives of artists Lili Elbe (Eddie Redmayne) and Gerda Wegener (Alicia Vikander.) Lili and Gerda's marriage and work evolve as they navigate Lili's groundbreaking journey as a transgender pioneer. Directed by Tom Hooper.
Lili and (to a slightly lesser extent) Gerda's story would be remarkable today, yet alone almost a century ago... which makes The Danish Girl even more impressive. It's not a love story per se (although it has love... and loyalty) but more an "uncovering" of Lili's true self. Redmayne's portrayal is masterful (he suffers well on camera) while Vikander delivers a booming performance that belies her tender frame: Both warrant serious Oscar consideration. Ditto for Hooper's pinpoint direction and Danny Cohen's scrumptious cinematography. My only complaint is that it doesn't seem serious enough: Where's the backlash/scandal? Still, entertaining/insightful.
Grade: B