My latest obsession.

Rating: 10/10 (30 December 2001)

I'm not about to spoil the pleasures of this magnificent experience by reciting the plot, so all I'll say is that Hedwig and the Angry Inch explores themes of retribution, gender identity, and finding love within oneself.
Some have compared it to The Rocky Horror Picture Show - unfairly, since when that cult musical is seen outside the craziness surrounding it, it's a pretty mediocre movie. HATAI does share RHPS's flair for rock excess and roots in cult theatre, so if you've ever gotten a kick out of RHPS, prepare yourself for treat. (If not, please seek therapy, or Rush Hour 2 at your local Blockbuster.)
HATAI is based on the Off-Broadway musical by John Cameron Mitchell, who triumphs here in his lead cinematic debut (for which he's been deservingly nominated for a Golden Globe) while also directing and co-scripting. The movie, simply, is a knockout, filled with fabulous eye candy and kickass musical numbers; it bursts with a visual and aural splendor that mainstream Hollywood rarely attempts. Its structure is a marvelous blend of live rock performances, flashbacks, singalongs, animation, humor and drama. Seamlessly edited, it's easy (and delightful!) to follow the storyline despite all the changes in timeframe, style, tempo and emotion.
I could go on and on about Hedwig and the Angry Inch without revealing one bit of plot, but I think you get the picture. It's nothing like Almost Famous (my favorite film of 2000), but what they do have in common is what neither feature: Violence, explosions, guns, hatred, immorality, heartlessness, nihilism, apathy. While I don't believe it's appropriate for children, bright teenagers will find nothing objectionable; its R rating is due to its mature themes, (infrequent) profanity, and brief nudity.
Go rent it. (Better yet, purchase the DVD for its abundant special features, one of which clarifies the relationship between two of the characters.) C'mon, aren't you dying to find out what the "angry inch" refers to?
FeverDog420