Hedwig and the Angry Inch

John Cameron Mitchell’s film unflinchingly explores themes of love, identity, and the struggle for acceptance through the lens of a rock musical. Released in 2001, Hedwig pushed the boundaries of queer cinema.

At the center of this poignant narrative is Hedwig, portrayed magnificently by Mitchell, a gender-queer punk rock singer from East Berlin who develops a relationship with a younger man, Tommy, becoming his mentor and musical collaborator, only to have Tommy steal her music and become a rock star. The film follows Hedwig and her backing band, the Angry Inch, as they shadow Tommy’s tour, while exploring Hedwig’s past through songs and memories. The character’s journey is both heartbreaking and empowering as they navigate the complications of gender identity, relationships, and the pain of unfulfilled dreams.

The musical score deserves special mention. With songs that linger long after the credits roll, the film’s soundtrack captures the essence of Hedwig’s tumultuous journey. Tracks like “Wicked Little Town” and “Origin of Love” are not only musically engaging but also enrich the storytelling, imbuing each scene with layered meaning and emotional gravity.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch serves as a vital piece of queer cinema that challenges societal norms and provokes necessary conversations about identity and belonging.

+ The Human Voice (Pedro Almodóvar, 2020, 30 min)
Pedro Almodóvar’s short film The Human Voice, starring Tilda Swinton, is a vibrant and theatrical adaptation of Jean Cocteau’s play. Swinton delivers a captivating performance as a woman grappling with the end of a relationship. While the film doesn’t explicitly center on LGBTQ+ themes, Almodóvar’s signature style and Swinton’s presence bring a queer sensibility to the film that is both ambiguous and exciting.

— Fay Nass, Queering Cinema curator

May 22: Intro by curator Fay Nass

Sweet dynamite.

Jay Carr, Boston Globe

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