FILM ANALYSIS: THE DANISH GIRL

1. Who is the main character in the film? Describe him/her. Make sure that you will
include the details: Name, Age, and Gender.

She is Lili Elbe as the half of Einar Wegener, a 40’s maybe around 46-50 according
to research since age was not mentioned in the film. She is a transgender which
naturally born as a man and changed to woman. Thus, she can be described as a
woman.

2. What happened to the main character? What do you think is the main reason?
What are the triggering factors that led to his changes?

I think that the main triggering factor of the change of Mr. Einar was basically from
the paintings in which his wife Gerda used him as a portrayed of the character as
woman. From time to time, Einar becomes Lili because of other potential factors
such as liking and kissing a man, wearing feminine clothing, experiencing a pain
concerning to his sexual organ that pushed him to stop being a man as Einar, and
watching a certain strip tease to make a posture that made him think that he suits
as Lili. Moreover, he was also supported by his wife Greda.

3. Do you think that the main character has a psychological issue? How did you say
so?

Frankly speaking, I can say yes. There are many factors that you can consider a
person of having psychological issue, and Einar falls under this due to his behavior
in which being insane or obsess to be as a Lili and without realizing that he slowly
losing himself as Einar. As what the Doctor said, he was a man from the past but
ended up thinking as a woman because he was full of confusion and uncertainty
of which is best for his body.

4. Using some theories that we discussed in the class, explain what happened to the
main character?

In his situation, I can say that he was endangered, knowing from the past, no one
is really expecting a man to act as a woman. With that, he was teased, treated
inhumanely, and even abused. But amidst of the criticisms and adversities, he
bounced back stronger as Lili and express himself the way he wanted to be.
5. Are you in favor of gender reassignment? Why or why not?

Personally speaking, as a woman who opens her mind, I do really in favor of

gender reassignment even though I, myself do not have any interest or plan in
doing any changes regarding to my organ. The most important thing is you can
express yourself freely and you are happy doing it and I don’t see any problem
with that at all. We should build a diversified community by understanding,
accepting, and respecting each gender preferences.

6. What are your learning insights after watching the film? Give at least three.

• I learned that gender reassignment is a very long personal process that will
greatly affect you emotionally, mentally, physically, psychologically, and spiritually,
but at the end of the day, the path to self-discovery only depends on you as a
person.

• I also learned that everyone should understand their rights concerning gender
preferences. People who experienced discrimination, abuse, mistreatment, and
harassment should be taken legal action. They are protected and people should
act in accordance with it.

• Lastly, I learned that only you can decide who or what you want to become and
with that, only you are truly responsible enough on your own happiness. You will
never go wrong in life if it certainly derives happiness.