Movie Review: TransAmerica

I used to hate when they lumped my issues with that of bisexuals and transgendered individuals. I really did. I was younger and could not understand how my travials were equal to theirs. Surely, discrimination is fairly universal, especially with the current government, but me--who loved men with men--could not possibly understand what it was like to feel like a woman on the inside and want to be different.

As time passed and my wisdom grew, I realized that, they too, have only a handful of films to show the world their situation in a manner that is uplifting and approachable. Gay movies, when made into the mainstream, ended with violence and saddness--and films about transgendered individuals were even smaller in number--I mean, Silence of the Lambs? Not a good example of transgendered experiences.

This is the first film, as a matter of fact,that opened my eyes to several points that I have to mention. An art film of sorts, the movie stars Felicity Huffman from Desparate Housewives fame. I use the term fame, for choosing an out of the way title like this says volumes about her. Her husband is William H. Macy, also an actor of profound merit, who chooses work that are also unique and highly challenging---Mrs. Huffman is cut from the same cloth it seems. Here she is a pre-op transexual who recieves news that she fathered a son many moons ago and he's in trouble.

The film then moves into the comfort zone of the usual 'road/buddy' picture as she bails the young man out of jail and they begin a cross-country trek to her home. The choice of formula is important. Like many, I'm sure we don't understand the transgendered experience but we know the plotline. We know they will get to know each other better in the process, and we can breathe a small sigh of relief in that there isn't too much new information.

And really, because of this plot, the theme is, by far, more approachable to a wider audience. Couple it with a performance that was outstanding, and you learn much, even if you didn't intend to. Mrs. Huffman doesn't play the part for yuks or curiousity. She really plays her as a woman of self means and energy that carries the movie. Kudos to her.

As you watch, too, the story is very adaptable. You see that her problems are fairly similar to any outsider, her issues are just as crazy as any other family's. I was impressed.

Maybe you should pay this a visit. I know feel I might understand a bit better than before...I know I don't have any issue with trasgendered people sharing billing with gays, lesbians or bisexuals as much any more.