MOVIE CRITIQUE

THE DANISH GIRL

By Tom Hooper
2015
 I chose this film because transgender issues are critical in today's
society, particularly following the recent attention to the trans
community. With popular media personalities such as Caitlyn Jenner and
Laverne Cox becoming more open about their gender identity, the trans
community is receiving more recognition than ever. Additionally, Lili
Elbe was a real person who paved the way for modern transgender
people.

For others, the casting of Eddie Redmayne was problematic. The

decision to cast a gendered male as a trans woman outraged many
members of the LGBTQ+ community. I understand both sides of this
argument. Though there are several transgender actors who would have
been excellent choices for the role of Lili. Lili spends a significant portion
of the film as Einar. Although I am not personally acquainted with these
actors, I have a hard time believing that a transgender woman could
comfortably play a male. That could be really uncomfortable. Clearly, I
am unable to speak for these actors. That is merely my hypothesis.
 There was a scene that was very painful for me to watch. Lili is confronted by
two men while walking in a park. The men ask her questions and start harassing her
in a language other than English; it is obvious that they are asking to her sexuality.
When they learn she is indeed transgender, they continue to attack her physically.
The scene was very emotional for me because of the hatred directed at transgender
people. Each year, violence against trans women increases. Thus, the conflict has
most certainly not dissipated; if anything, it is escalating. Although we like to think
of our country as progressive and open-minded, we still have a long, long way to go
when it comes to transgender rights and respect. Despite the criticism pointed at the
filmmakers for casting a guy, I believe Eddie Redmayne did an excellent job. In my
opinion, he did an excellent job of capturing the extremely complicated emotions that
Einar and Lili possessed. The development of his character is my very favorite aspect
of him. He does an incredible job of depicting not just the physical transformations
but also the emotional and mental ones. Redmayne's character begins as Einar, a
timid, meek, and slightly awkward young man. It's obvious that Einar isn't entirely
secure in his own skin. However, as he comes to terms with who he is and Lili
emerges, you see this incredible transformation into this beautiful, elegant, and
extremely confident woman. Redmayne does an incredible job convincing us that
Einar was really Lili all along.
 Gerda's performance by Alicia Vikander was stunning, uplifting, and
heartbreaking all at the same time. Vikander does an excellent job capturing the
challenges of falling in love with someone who is undergoing change. Gerda is so
supportive and positive. When Lili progresses further into her transformation, Gerda
begins to have some difficulty with it. Gerda's response to Lili is very realistic. She
clearly loves her husband and wishes him happiness, but she also wishes to avoid
losing him. And once again, Vikander's performance and ability to convey those
conflicted emotions astound me.

Gerda is extraordinarily positive and respectful of Lilies' transformation.

Additionally, there is a scene in the film in which Gerda learns Einar is wearing some
of Gerda's undergarments under his street clothes, which scares Gerda but also seems
to excite her. I honestly believe that if you truly love someone, you will love them
regardless of their status in life. Although Gerda's devotion to Einar and Lili is
undeniably genuine, I believe it has grown over time. To fall in love with another,
you do not have to be sexually interested in them. Gerda's devotion to Lili transcends
the conventional "laws" or "guidelines" that society often imposes on relationships.
I'm a romantic, and I like to believe that love is as sincere as it grows. To be honest,
I believe that gender stereotypes are a load of nonsense imposed upon us by society.
THE DANISH GIRL FAMOUS QUOTES