Stephen Trask, Rob Campbell and John Cameron Mitchell in "Hedwing and the Angry Itch."

MOVIE INFORMATION

With 10 as a must-see, Jack gives this film an: Stars: John Cameron Mitchell Director: John Cameron Mitchell Rated: R, profanity, sex and violence Length: 91 minutes

ROCHESTERCRITIQUE

Having seen this film, how would you rate it? 10 5 9 4 8 3 7 2 6 1

By Jack Garner
Democrat and Chronicle

(August 31, 2001) -- We first meet Hedwig, with a piled-high platinum wig, ruby lipstick and deeply pained eyes, belting out an impassioned rock and roll song.

She and her band, the Angry Inch, are squeezed into a corner near the buffet table at the Bilgewater Restaurant. The confused, white-haired audience has apparently arrived too late for the early bird specials.

Right away, you want to know this performer's story.

You even wonder whether the performer is a "she."

You have entered the quirky world of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, a funny and strangely affecting gender-bender saga that gives rock and roll movies a much-needed jolt.

Part memoir and part backstage musical, Hedwig is an utterly original adventure, adapted from a cult off-Broadway hit by its writer-director-star, John Cameron Mitchell.

Hedwig's songs trigger flashbacks. We observe Hansel, a German boy growing up gender confused and abused. As a teen, he attracts an American G.I. who agrees to marry him and take him to America -- if he'll undergo a sex-change.

The operation is botched, leaving Hansel-turned-Hedwig with the angry inch that becomes the band's name.

Once in America -- and abandoned by the G.I. -- Hedwig turns to rock and roll. She also acquires a protege, a 17-year-old born-again Christian named Tommy (Michael Pitt), who joins the band and becomes Hedwig's lover.

But Tommy, too, abandons her -- and steals many of Hedwig's songs, which are just what the boy needs to become a star. Hedwig starts shadowing Tommy, appearing in the Bilgewater chain of restaurants in the cities where Tommy performs.

As Hedwig's wacky but bittersweet search for self-worth unfolds, the film also dishes out edgy satire about popular culture, sexual attitudes and religion.

The songs, written by Stephen Trask, offer hard-driving rock -- easily the most vigorous rock music created for film since The Who generated Tommy and Quadrophenia.

Best of all, though, is the triple threat effort by Mitchell. As the lead actor, he offers a funny, charismatic portrayal of the tormented Hedwig.

As writer, he's opened up his play cleverly and cinematically.

And as director, he blends all the elements with skill and purpose. Beyond the portrayals and music, they include evocative and gritty production design by Therese DePrez, the over-the-top costumes of Arianne Phillips and bits of rough-but-insightful animation by Emily Hubley.

If you're looking for film that's nothing like any other movie out there, Hedwig delivers, angry inch and all.