The Danish Girl

This is an outstanding movie. Its picture book appearance belies the emotional and psychological challenges of the main characters. Eddie Radmayine delivers a powerful performance transforming his male persona Einar Wegener to  femme Lili Elbe. With his slight build and female affections Wegener disguising himself as a woman was easy. His nervous gestures, uncertainties and trepidations of his transformation to a woman makes his performance potent. His journey to womanhood and forsaking his past is unwavering with all the collateral damage it ensues. Radmayine is Hollywood’s latest cameleon. As a women he is not a looker, which makes his acting demanding. Radmayine’s performance here is arguably better than the Theory of Everything. Back to back Oscars are rare (only five in Oscar history), but Radmayine is a fitting candidate.

Alicia Vikander (Ex Machina) plays his wife Gerta Wegener. Her altruism, love and dedication to her husband cause her much suffering.  Vikander’s performance captures her conflicted plight between devoted wife and dealing with the challenges from another woman.

The supporting actors are also great. Many of whom are unfamiliar to American audiences (except for Q, Ben Wishaw, from the Bond movies). Finding new talent makes the film more interesting.

The cinematogray is one of the best for this season. From moody landscapes to lush Art Nouveau buildings these shots frame the movie.  Copenhagen, Paris and Dresden are transformed to their 1920’s and 30’s glory.

I initially was not enthusiast to see this movie. The other movie at the same show time was Kung Fu Panda 3, which was a tempting choice. My inner adult won out.