THE DANISH GIRL Deigns from Developing into a Definitive Film

Dir Tom Hooper (b. Britain 1972) won the Oscar for best picture with The KING'S SPEECH ('10.)  THE DANISH GIRL is based on the life of Einar Wegener, (Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne,) the first male to undergo sexual reassignment surgery in the late 1920's.  The movie stars Swedish actress Alicia Vikander (Ex-Machina) as his loving, supportive and mournful wife, Gerda.  The film suffers from too much angst that muddles the portrait of a an individual grappling with being born into the wrong body.    Of course, there is immense cause for torment for both Einar & Gerda.  Nevertheless, the film is like a beautiful painting  that is lackluster & one dimensional.  It's hard to criticize a film that chooses to illuminate the abhorrence & perverse treatment individuals faced when seeking help.  The love story between the couple is admirable but blurred behind ubiquitous tears.   Thankfully, transgender procedures are performed safely and there is acceptance and compassion for transgender human beings. The film's intent was commendable, the art direction stunning but the emotional impact of the film fell flat.