Unconventional, Weird, Bizarre and Funny – A Great Homage to the Glitter Rock

Rating: 8/10 (23 February 2004)

Hedwig (John Cameron Mitchell) is in a transsexual singer and through the songs he sings in his American tour, he tells the story of his life.
He was a German boy called Hansel and raised by his mother in East Berlin. When he is twenty six years old, he is gay and meets Sgt. Luther Robinson (Maurice Dean Wint), an American officer, close to the wall and they fall in love with each other. In order to get married, Hedwig is submitted to a unsuccessful surgery for changing his sex. The doctor leaves one inch of penis in his body, instead of a vagina. His 'husband' leaves him, and he starts working as babysitter. When he meets the teenager Tommy Gnosis (Michael Pitt), he teaches him how to play guitar and to sing and the guy becomes a successful singer and steals Hedwig's best song. Since then, Hedwig and his band are following Tommy's tour, trying to retrieve their participation in the hit.
"Hedwig" is a very unconventional, weird, bizarre but funny film. It is a great homage to the glitter rock of David Bowie, Lou Reed and Iggy Pop. It is also a story of love and betrayal. John Cameron Mitchell deserved an Oscar for his role and performance as a transsexual rock singer. The songs are wonderful. Indeed this film may recall 'Rocky Horror Show' due to the bizarre and androgynous environment and the potentiality of cult- movie. However, it is indicated for a specific audience. My vote is eight.
Title (Brazil):'Hedwig – Rock, Amor e Traição' ('Hedwig – Rock, Love and Betrayal')