The Danish Girl (English, 2016)

The title “The Danish Girl” seems so inappropriate initially as we get introduced to the key players of the movie – Einar and Gerda who are quite happy in their little word with the regular complaints & arguments. One thinks there is going to be another woman in Einar’s life which though eventually is true has been quite interestingly portrayed. Hats off to the director Tom Hooper for choosing a subject still considered taboo with a picturesque backdrop and pulling it off with elan!

With two protagonists fighting it out for the coveted top spot, it is phenomenal to watch Eddie Redmayne sway to the tunes of what the character needs and a delight to see Alicia stomp around like a boss knowing what she must do with occasional doubts showing on her face when she is unsure of things. The supporting actors, true to their name, share a leaning shoulder to the protagonists & the events that occur. The dialogues and conversations among the cast are simple yet having the necessary punch and bitterness as required.

The screenplay is the primal pivot around which the crew and the actors spin the story eloquently. The story touches upon the concept of “Life of Artists”, “Institution of Marriage”, “Woman empowerment”, “Travel” to name a few & the screenplay links them meaningfully gliding from one concept to another and then back.

To adapt a true life story and still give it the authenticity that the present day audience, is by no means a simple task. The art direction, costume & make up department have put their heart and souls to make it look as real as possible.

One little gripe from an avid movie goer would be the absence of showing the travels of the pair from Denmark to France to Germany and back. Agreed that it takes a lot of screen time, but having none of it slightly deprives us of the change in scenery that would have added value visually. In addition the cute little pet, Hvap, seems to go missing around the later part of second half when things turn all serious and bleak.