Thinking Outside the Wig Box

Rating: 10/10 (25 January 2008)

"Hedwig and the Angry Inch" is not a musical. The only argument to the contrary is the musical sequence "Wig in a Box," which still morphs into a music video.
But I digress. John Cameron Mitchell's film adaptation of the gender-bending rock play actually makes drag interesting, with Mitchell himself as Hedwig Robinson, an East German rock star with a dream to rock America and find her other half (a concept fully explained in the beautiful mythology of "The Origin of Love"). Other classic performances come from such talents as Miriam Shor, Andrea Martin, and Michael Pitt. All are terrific.
Emily Hubley's exquisite animations enhance the film with their occasional entrance. And as a "classic-rock loving, Dungeons & Dragons obsessed Jesus freak with a fish on his truck," Pitt delivers the film's worthiest (and most confusingly downplayed) performance. As Tommy Gnosis, his relationship-turned-rivalry with Hedwig is a key element in the film's satisfying buildup.
Essentially, "Angry Inch" is a series of outstanding rock songs laced together with genuine pathos that feels more natural than in any other movie in a long time. All things considered, it's a trip to a simpler place in the universe. And you can try and tear it down.
It just won't work. Hedwig rocks!