It was never a surprise when Divine graced the screen of John Waters' seedy spoofs, but John Travolta's appearance as Tracy Turnblad's mother in the new version of Hairspray raises an interesting issue: We love to see men dressed as women. There are scores of films about it — Kiss of the Spiderwoman, Tootsie, Some Like it Hot, Mrs. Doubtfire, The Birdcage, and the list goes on.
Why do you think we find cross-dressing men so entertaining? What are some of your favorite films with men in drag?
Is it b/c we want to believe that men can do everything better than women, even be women?
I think of The Crying Game as the best example. It was Hollywood's "year of the woman" and many argued that the best female part of the year was written for a man.
It's just funny -- a good vehicle for laughs (Crying Game notable exception). Our films like to laugh at men, but women have to be strong and serious (there is about 1 comic part for women for every 10 for men). Another interesting question is why aren't there any comic roles where women are passing for men? There have been some films, like Yentel, but they're all serious.
True... When we compare the effect of cross-dressing, say Marlene Dietrich vs. Divine, the women come away with their sexuality intact. Not so with the men. ...
I think Divine added a new twist to portraying drag queens as glamourous. I think his roles were more as character actors, and superbly acted at that. I mean, how many men can you think of would dress up as a 300lb Baltimore housewife in pin curlers and a housedress? John Waters himself called Divine "his leading lady" and the "godzilla of drag queens". Divine is sorely missed by all Waters fans! And if you haven't noticed, Waters has not used another female impersonator in his films since Divine's passing. Interesting.
You're spot-on when you say Divine was a character actor. Who can forget the memorable Francine Fishpaw and her broken heart? Or her unforgettable role in Female Trouble? How could Waters follow her up?
I agree with Mary M. While I enjoyed "To Wong Foo...," I have to agree that "The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert" was probably the best I've seen.
"The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert" has to be the best drag movie there is. However, there have been comedic roles with women dressed as men.... just not very successful ones. For example: "She's the Man," "Just One of the Guys," "Motocrossed."
Travolta has some really interesting things to say about the role that really reflect what goes on when a man portrays a woman. Something along the lines of an original "fat suit" that was built to be sort of almost morbidly obese, and he insisted that the character be glamorous or sexy because of her weight, not in spite of it, or something like that. Incidentally he's getting flack from gay rights groups because he's a Scientologist playing an "iconic gay role."
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Comments: 18
I think of The Crying Game as the best example. It was Hollywood's "year of the woman" and many argued that the best female part of the year was written for a man.
I'll respond more later; would like to think about it.
You're spot-on when you say Divine was a character actor. Who can forget the memorable Francine Fishpaw and her broken heart? Or her unforgettable role in Female Trouble? How could Waters follow her up?
She's certainly missed by me. Thanks for posting!
This is fun! Jack Lemmon in a dress in "Some Like it Hot" with Marilyn Monroe is the benchmark in the ole Colonel's view. Love your icon.
Cheers,
Colonel Possum
I'm honored.
Cheers to you.
Kim