TRANS ON FILM

As most in the LGBTQ know, November is Trans Awareness month. Never more important than ever in these times. With this gross administration it's important to support the trans community. I don't know if any of you have caught TCM this month, but wow...did they shove a big one up the administrations ass. Yes...I have been enjoying it all month and YES, TCM has celebrated trans movies through special programming most notably through their series of Trans Images on Film. The series is often presented with trans critics and authors who discuss the film and the history of trans representation in cinema. So far films such as Ma Vie en Rose, Dog Day Afternoon. Paris is Burning, Dressed in Blue, The Christine Jorgenson Story. Some of My Best Friends Are, and Come Back to the Five and Dime Jimmy Dean, a great movie I hadn't seen in sometime, and forgotten that Karen Black, Cher and Kathy Bates were in it and were incredible. I found the month to be very purposeful. The month-long series shed light on the history of trans identify in cinema and provide a more complete picture of trans experiences on screen, and not to mention what the trans goes through in life. I had seen most of the films but two, and were they excellent films.

The first was Some of My Best Friends Are.

This film starred Fannie Flagg, Rue McClanahan and a great performance by Candy Darling. The movie takes place on Christmas Eve 1971, in Greenwich Village, a group of gay men and lesbians meet at the mob owned Blue Jay Bar to talk about their lives and relationships.

Candy Darlings performance was something I can't help but wonder if many trans went through. In once scene she is embarrassed in front of the whole bar when a male patron discovers she is really a man. The scene was a bit hard to watch. But Candy Darling gave a hell of a great performance, an authentic portrayal of someone hiding inner heartache behind a public persona, which was a powerful and personal reflection of Darlings own life.

The seond treat this month has been another film I never saw, Ma vie en Rose, a 1997 Franco-Belgian drama film directed by Alain Berliner.

It tells the story of Ludovic, a transgender girl, and depicts her family and community struggling to accept her gender identity. Ludo find only rejection, isolation and guilt, as the intense reactions of family, friends, and neighbors strip away every innocent lace and bauble. As suburban prejudices close around them, family loves and loyalties are tested in the ever-escalating dramatic turns in this feature. It loved the film.

What a colorful and great film it was, and a powerful film. I think the film depicted more than any other film featuring a trans, what a trans person really goes through and the torment they face from those around them and even question their own path at times. Everyone in the film does a great job, but what a power delivery from the actor, Georges du Fresne, playing the main part of Ludo. What a performance by him who was at the time just a child. It was one of the best movies I've seen in some time. 

If you get a chance check these out . Have you seen any of these films?

HESTER FRUMP

If there is one thing I love, it's a campy, snarky, fashionable character. And as we are aware I watch very little American tv offerings, but one I fell in love with was Wednesday, a take on the life of Wednesday Addams. The first season was incredibly done. Plus, it had Gwendoline Christy. As if it could get any better, Burton went this season and added a Patron Saint of mine, the stunning Joanna Lumley to the cast as Hester Frump! A huge fan since the days of Jam and Jerusalem and, of course, Absolutely Fabulous...the actress can do no wrong. She has given a new life and purpose to a character we knew little of from previous incarnations of the show and movie, and grandma was basically nothing more than a bumbling mumbling side piece that time forgot in a gothic mansion. Lumley at 79, joined the cast at Tim Burton's request and so she lends her talents across this side of the pond playing Hester Frump as the wealthy and fashionable matriarch of the Frump family, and the owner of the largest outcast business in America, Frump Mortuaries. She is snarky, insulting, cold and sharp tongued, and is also the mother of Morticia Addams and Ophelia Frump. And while she has a good strong understanding relationship with her granddaughter Wednesday, she as a ghastly one with her own daughter Morticia. Staring with her disapproval of her marriage to Gomez. Needless to say, she is the first character in some time I have loved on a program. I dare say Absolutely Ghastly!

Her first appearance of the season was excellent! The only way to make me orgasm would be to add Helena Bonham Carter to the cast yet.

EVIL QUEENS

I loved Disney animated movies when I was a wee one. And I was always drawn to the evil queens in them. Now... I'm on the fence with this new release from Disney. The Seven Dwarfs as CGI??? Wouldn't it have been better to pay working actor midgets for the parts? I have no idea who Snow White is, but she does look wholesome and annoying enough like Snow White to get the part. But from what I've seen from many clips, Gal Gadot was a perfect choice for the Evil Queen. When it comes to Wicked Queens----and I have known my fair share kids, having at times been one myself- the evil queen from the 1937 animated classic is unsurpassed. but other than Gal, the rest of the cast is from Nowheresville. She looks like the 1937 Evil Queen come to life, in every detail.

Gal Gadot was working consistently before her breakout role as Wonder Woman, and since then has cemented her place in Hollywood as an action star. This reliance on a certain kind of role and lack of character range has led to some of the criticism pointed towards Gadot...which made her casting as the Evil Queen all the more surprising. Gadot doesn't give the Evil Queen an action make over but plays her from what I hear relatively straight. Despite not having much experience playing villains before taking on the role in Snow White, Gal Gadot's best moments in the film seem to be delicious, she just might have potential playing antagonist. And looks like she played it with gusto. I'm not sure who is casting the villains in these live action movies, but they are brilliant in their job. The first was Angelina Jolie as Maleficent. She NAILED that. The casting and look and evil, the voice and laugh, couldn't have been done better. It was like the animated Maleficent came to life right from the cartoon film.

Then they nailed it again, with the fabulous Cate Blanchett, one of the Casa's all-time favorite actresses, who played Lady Tremaine with comic, snarky, snobbish evil behaviors.

And they did it again, with Emma Stone who portrayed Cruella Devil, who couldn't have been more perfect to play the eccentric, obsessed, manic fashion maven and thief and who adores dalmatian fur. Now that we saw how Cruella became the woman she is, it will be interesting to see how and if they continue to show the more evil and bad Cruella in the forthcoming sequel.

I took a pass on the Little Mermaid. Never was a fan of the movie. And it also didn't feel as dark as the selections here. But I do believe Gal Gadot is going to continue the traditional of bringing home a very striking performance and likeness to the Evil Queen, like her predecessors have done. And who knows, maybe she will start playing more evil roles. I have also loved most of the Batman movie trilogies, so I think Gal could possibly be a shoe in for an excellent Poison Ivy.

A DIFFERENT MAN

When we got our first snow two weeks ago, I spent the day watching movies. One of which was A Different Man. I love Sebastian Stan, and he has had quite the year with movies. Following his portrayal, eerily accurate of the Orange Orge, where he said he had many sleepless nights acting as the Dump...and now this movie. he nailed both beautifully. Have you seen this film yet? It was one of the darkest satires I've seen in some time. Sebastian Stan plays Edward, who has a troubled life, not only because of his deeply disfigured face, but also due to the way he carries himself. When he participates in an experimental drug trial that drastically changes his appearance, he finally starts to live the life he's always wanted, with his sexy body and handsome face, although the peeling face thing was a bit unnerving. This dream life quickly turns into a nightmare when a play his neighbor writes and produces, sparks Edward's desires to change and he becomes obsessed with trying to reclaim what he once was and lost.

From the very start of the movie, I knew that I was witnessing a totally unique artistic vision. Director Aaron Schimberg has a tight control of every frame, the high-quality production value of this film is undeniable. At the beginning of the movies, before Edward's transformation, feel very different than what follows. His life is riddled with anxiety, and the audience feels every bit of it. You also feel the discomfort that Edward has because he looks different. Which I might add, Stans make up is some of the best that will come all year I suspect. I actually questioned the make-up, if there were two different actors playing Edward in the beginning of the film. Sebastian Stan gives a performance I was unaware he was capable of, especially on a physical level. And the scenes with Peason are gold.

The supporting cast were excellent too. Reante Reinve and Adam Pearson who is a British actor, presenter and campaigner, who has neurofibromatosis in real life, are also very good in this. Pearson, who plays Oswald has the life that Edward wants and can't understand how Oswald is so outgoing and fears nothing, enjoys life to the fullest, even with the disfiguring disease, yet Edward, who is cured of his disfigurement, isn't happy, and still doesn't have the life he wants. And Reinsve feels like she is giving two different performances from where we first meet her and where her arc ends up. Ingrid is an incredibly flawed person whose morals are never known and Reinsve makes every scene she's in a fascinating watch. The scene where she tells Edwards to go put the disfigured mask on during sex was quite something. I don't want to give the whole plot away. And Pearson is incredibly charismatic and a pure scene stealer for sure. Overall, A Different Man is an original achievement that I absolutely adored. It is certainly not for everyone, what with some of the disturbing imagery, but I was always immensely entertained. And nothing wrong with catching a glimpse of a very naked and revealing Bucky Barnes!!!! 

I may have to watch again. My next movie I want to watch is the Substance. Adore Demi Moore.

FRIDAY INTERLUDE.....

...with the Triadisches Ballet!

One of my favorites. The Triadisches Ballet is a ballet developed by Oskar Schlemmer. The ballet became the most widely performed and one of the most avant-garde artistic dance ballets, and while Schlemmer was at the Bauhaus from 1921 to 1929, the ballet toured, helping to spread the ethos of the Bauhaus. I have always enjoyed it. Now you understand what it's like in my mind!!! Just throw in a few naked men and your there. Very visually stunning. Enjoy the show kids!

HILARITY OF KATHY BURKE

I'm not sure how many Americana are familiar with the very funny, and the hilarity of comedian Kathy Burke. My first experience with her was of course on Absolutely Fabulous, who played Patsy's fast-talking, power lunching, Cockney-accented magazine editor Magda. Here she is as Magda along with two of her other clips from shows, that get me howling with laughter every time. 

From Psychobitches....

From Gimmie, Gimmie, Gimmie...

I know just how Linda La Hughes feels. I had mornings like that the day after some of my South American boys have visited.

ALONG THE SEINE

What did I miss over the weekend whilst I was gone? Apparently quite the performance by Lady Gaga, who won the gold along the Seine River, as she transformed the Parisian waterway into a recreation of spectacle for the Olympics. I saw it once I was back, and while I'm not the biggest fan of Lady Gaga, this might be the best performance I have ever seen her give.Now remember, a performance for me has to have FABU ensemble, be campy, and have a memorable spin and she checked all the boxes not to mention she recreated a performance by one of my favorites, the late great and fabulous French star, ZiZi Jeanmarie, who only passed away in 2020 at the ripe old age of 96.  Gaga made quite the entrance on the staircase along the Seine with dancers, powder puffs and huge amounts of bead, feathers and marabou, looking like a Parisian dancer of yore, gave a song and dance and even tickled the ivories on a grand piano! Lady Gaga channeled the same aesthetic, costuming and vocal intonation of the late great ZiZi in the singers "Mon Truc En Plumes." ZiZi Jeanmarie originally did this as a performance on the Ed Sullivan Show. Brava to Gaga for this performance and for giving now gone performers some more recognition. I approve. Now I need to figure out how to get my mits on the ensemble? I'd settle for just one of the pink pom-pom hats.

In case you missed kids.....

THE MAESTRO

I think it is safe to say, that the Queen of Queens, the ultimate winner over all queens, Jinkx Monsoon just might be the biggest success yet to come off Drag Race. Her talent and range seem to know no bounds, and I'm here for that. She was belittled and not a favorite in the workroom, I dare say even picked on a bit by the other queens, but who's laughing now? Jinkx Monsoon who is a two-time winner of Drag Race has landed her biggest role yet, as recurring guest star in the new season of Doctor Who. Jinkx plays the evil, twisted Maestro, a malevolent force that attempts to abscond with all the world's music if the new Doctor Who and his sidekick, Ruby Sunday can't stop Maestro's nefarious efforts.

I have never been a huge viewer of the show, mostly only seeing that of the original series, but I did stream some of the new season, and I'm here to tell you Jinkx NAILED this part...she played it will such twisted, crazed, and disturbing talent. I had goosebumps watching her. What a delicious character this Maestro is and played beautiful by Jinkx, of course.

Russel T Davies from the past Doctor Who, created the Maestro role and wrote the episodes specifically for Monsoon after seeing her stage show, Together Again, Again. I even read the producers invited Monsoon into the conversation about Maestro's look early in the process, which Jinkx considered a show of respect for her as a drag entertainer and transfeminine actor. She had input from the wardrobe to the wigs and right down to the make-up, having plenty of experience in that area. I think it's great to see a queen like Jinkx take drag in a whole new direction. This may be one of the biggest parts yet for a drag queen in such a huge and reputable franchise as Doctor Who. I tell you; she was phenomenal. I can relate to the part of Maestro too, I'm a bit crazy. Critics are already hailing her performance as "blistering and "an absolute scene-stealer." I would agree.

And there is no slowing down. Jinkx is about done wrapping up her turn as Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors on Off Broadway, and has just learned she will be reprising her role as Mama Morton in Chicago, back on Broadway, as well as make her grand debut in February of 2025, with a one night only show at Carnegie Hall.

Look out! The drag queens are taking the Hall kids!!!!

Now, a small sample of Jinkx's amazing, if not crazed performance.

BACK TO BLACK

It's hard to believe the talent and phenomenal Amy Winehouse has been gone almost 13 years already. And I'm still as infatuated as I was when she hit the scene. I was so bored with music by time she arrived. Then one day, I hear this sound on the radio, like nothing I'd heard in my own time. I was then even more smitten when I laid eyes on her. I love the rebellious appearance at once. I have no problem saying she even replaced Madonna as my favorite recording artist. She never gave in with her talent or her appearance to the corporate music bullshit, and I'm pretty sure if you didn't love her style, she most likely didn't give flying figs. What amazes me is it took almost 13 years to have a movie made, not including the docu- movie Amy. 

The film will center on the life of the late British singer and songwriter, one of the biggest singers ever to come out of the United Kingdom, and she changed the landscape of pop, jazz and  R&B in one, at the height of her fame, despite releasing only two albums...which for me are heavenly awesome and I can enjoy just those two albums, even more so than the huge catalog I have of Madonna's. The film also centers with the struggles with alcoholism and substance abuse and other personal issues and her tumultuous relationship with Blake Fielder-Civil...  all of which that led to her demise at the age of 27. But it will also focus on Winehouses genius, creativity and honesty which she infused in everything she did. From the bits I've seen, the movie won't be perfect, but the savior of the film and perfect casting will be that of Marisa Abela who appears to be sensational. 

You needn't be a fan to find this an interesting film, even rewarding. And not to mention get another Amy Winehouse injection. But since we're here.

Why not? Hush and hit play sweet cheeks....

A SWAN SONG

Anyone in the know who knows me , will tell you I watch very few American TV shows.  But this season kids, I have been watching the fabulous arrived. Ryan Murphy's offering Feud: Truman Capote vs The Swans. It has been fresh too and one can tell he is more energized in this project, compared to the pass its expiration date, American Horror Story. The last two seasons were weak and finding his seasoned cast, bailing. I didn't even watch last season. Now girls, this show is stylish, highly entertaining and featuring every actor in a near pitch perfect performance. Even the music and opening credits of the show are very artistly done. But as a queen, and a purist, I will have some carping to do.

It's safe to say that many familiar with the legacy of Truman Capote- the man at the center of the show- though the masses are perhaps more acquainted with the Breakfast at Tiffanys writer's status as a literary giant then the actual dramas of his life. The second season arrives seven years after the first season, and gives a voice to each of the wealthy female archetypes... Each nailing their part with superb acting, the mannerisms and the look of each swan down.

Naomi Watts as Babe Paley

Nice to see Demi Moore back in acting. I have always enjoyed her. She is portraying Ann Woodward. 

The fabulous Chole Sevigny, who has never looked better as CZ Guest.

I was worried about Calista Flockhart, never been a huge fan...but she has nailed playing Lee Radziwell.And I dare say shed finally her Ally McBeal part.

The always lovely Diane Lane playing Slim Keith.

And everyone's perennial favorite Molly Ringwald playing Joanne Carson

And Tom Hollander is very unnervingly accurate in looks, mannerisms, sound and looks as Truman!!! Everyone is spot on in their roles, particularly Naomi Watts. And this is Demi Moore's best acting since 1996's If These Walls Could Talk. Even Joe Mantello's Jack Dunphy and the sexy Russel Tovey's John O'Shea are standouts. Tovey is important in illustrating the dangers of associating with a closet case, something I think the Swans here caught on to. As for Tom Hollander, he caught both sides of Capote- the brilliant, the cruiser, and the despicable. The show has been going along swimmingly too till last week. Now the carping. Having read 3 of Capote's books on the Swans... just where is Gloria Vanderbilt, Gloria Guinness and Baroness Pauline de Rothschild??? And Slim and Bill Paley having an affair??? They didn't, and I have no idea why an otherwise respectable writer like Jon Baitz would cook up something like this unless ordered to by Ryan Murphy. Truman also never lasted a week in a clinic he was sent to, and the highly romanticized reunion of Truman and Babe? What the hell? Sure it was gorgeously staged. But I'm here to tell you it never happened. When babe Paley cut Truman off, she and Slim never talked to Truman again the rest of their lives. If Ryan doesn't stay to facts and is heading into some kind of alternate reality he is going to lose the audience with this show. Otherwise, this show has been so well done, with sets, fashion and acting and let's be honest...it's been great to see the adored Jessica Lange again, as the passed-on spirit of Truman's mother.

And contrary to rumors that I once slept with Capote is nonsense!!! First off, I wasn't old enough, I was just bore and second, I would not tolerate his bitchiness, and two bitches under one roof just does not work.

Anyone else watching this epic?

WHERE LOVE LIVES

Say what you want about dance clubs and the club era. When I came out, I was skeptical and nervous at first to even go into the club. One of my first tricks finally dragged me out. And that was it. I knew then I had found my tribe with the first sounds of the thump thumpa!!!! While I was never really in the closet, no door was strong enough to hold me back, and in....but it was a relief to know there were others. There were some people who never hung out in clubs...but I'm so glad I did and still do if I'm in a city that has the big clubs. Philly still has a huge community of club's thank heavens. It was magical for me...to feel the music, and the mood, soak it in, and let the music take you to a higher plane. The club to me, back then, was a place for all ages, any shape, any gender and sexuality, all incomes and colors. We could come together, and the club vibe and music joined everyone together. The queerness and music joined us. I had the best of times in clubs, and every friend I met in a club or through drag? I'm STILL friends with. Honey Dion once said that dancefloors can unify, unlike governments and religions can't. And I'm with her...they can't. It was like church for me...took me to higher planes where I could soar. Once I got into NYC clubs and met the Lady Bunny and club kids, and one night at the Roxy where we ran into Lady Miss Kier...I knew I was not looking back. If I showed up as me...fine. in drag, fine. In between. Fine...no one cared. I don't know how much different my life or outlook now would be if I was just now coming out? I suspect I wouldn't be as colorful for one thing. I almost feel sorry for the young gay population as they won't experience this as much as my generation. I could hang with the cute boys just as much as the club kids, fems and queens. And once I hit the dance floor I was done, and would remain for most of the night...or up on a box. To this day, dance and house music will always be in my blood. It was during the pandemic I fell into an online show of Glitterbox, and one TeTe Bang was present. It was love at first site.

Popular Slut Club? Any wonder I would love her! And we are both extremely visual. After the online show I followed her on Instagram, and we eventually started to DM. Her story was another with a happy ending due to the dance club and it allowing her to be who she wanted. Dance clubs were always our safe space. But with more and more safe spaces and mixed clubs, which is great that we have much more acceptance, well, most days, and a wider visibility, I can't lie...still give to the big club and that vibe any day! TeTe came out as a lesbian...and she says she never felt like she fit in with the Lesbyterian culture. She found her niche....drag!!!! And why not? She hit the scene even before Victoria Scone came along.

Since then, the eclectic TeTe Bang was recognized as one of Attitude's Magazines queer voices of the future and was among one of the first self-identifying female lesbian drag queens to appear on the gay club scene and she says she will continue to challenge the norm, and on a mission to spread positivity around the world. And don't get me stated on all her vintage store finds and creations.

Tete had asked if I'd seen the documentary Where Love Lives Series. It was released during the pandemic. She thought I may like it. And she was right. The documentary explores music's enduring power to manifest diverse and inclusive community, to accept and embrace, to liberate, even to save lives. It's a film about acceptance and creative expression. I just rewatched it again, and it still give me chills and euphoria just watching it. Dancefloors and the club era enriched my life and gave me life and still do. I almost feel sorry for those that never felt that. I had a friend that despised clubs...but it was because he wouldn't make the effort to talk or the just let loose. And he certainly didn't know how to act with those different from him. He eventually looked down on the club crowd and bar flies...but you know what? When I would have an issue or personal crisis, they were the ones there for me...not the buttoned-up Ralph Lauren gay picnic cloth crowd, who said they were friends. If you used to go out, still do, love colorful people or to get a taste of the club...this film is great. There are also snippets of the legendary Honey Dion, Kathy Sledge and Billy Porter, along with TeTe Bang. I couldn't agree more with what my club sisters and brothers say in this film.