Review of The Danish Girl (2015) by Dawdlingpoet — 20 Nov 2021

This film features some quite quiet dialogue, which anyone hard of hearing may struggle to fully follow but there are subtitles available on the DVD, if thats any consellation. Due to the plot and the lack of social acceptance and wider understanding of the main issue, its not exactly surprising that things are talked about quietly.

I found myself feeling quite sorry for the main character, Lili/Einar. To me, he appeared to show his emotions quite clearly on his sleeve (or, should I say, on her dress?). His reluctance and fear of what may happen if he were to be found out makes him appear somewhat fragile and quite sensitive, which I suppose to a small extent I could relate to. I found it interesting how his marriage was affected, given that it was his wife who originally encouraged him to pose as a female - their relationship is inevitably put under strain and I felt that both Eddie Redmayne, who plays Einar, and Alicia Vikander, who plays Gerda, gave great performances and seemed very plausible/believable in their roles, with Redmayne showing a real vulnerability in his eyes as Einar. Other cast members present include Amber Heard as Ulla and Ben Whishaw as Henrick.

I think it'd be fair to say that the film had a slightly haunting feel, which I'm not sure quite how to describe, other than to say that it seemed somewhat like I was watching a long, animated painting. Yes the film is about artists and it features paintings, well both paintings and drawings but I feel that there's a sensitivity to the subject matter and within the characters themselves, which made it seem almost as if it was some sort of long animated painting equivalent. While the plot is slow, that allows for the viewer to feel as if they really know and understand better where Einar is, emotionally and to imagine what difficult decisions he realises he may have to make.

More generally, I felt it was quite an immersive watch, with some good classical music pieces played to add to the tension felt in key scenes. I found myself feeling quite worried about what the ultimate outcome may be in terms of Einars future and I found some scenes quite moving - not due to any sexual content or meaning but other reasons, although I won't go in to that so as not to give any spoilers. I really felt that the two characters brought this film to life and it made me wonder about how prevalent cross dressing possibly was at that time (the 1920s).

Speaking of content, obviously this film contains sex references and some partial (mostly relatively brief) nudity, as well as moderate violence and overall its somewhat sombre in tone, due to the mature themes present. It has been given a 15 rating due to this.

When I thought about it, this film really didn't seem particularly tacky, although it potentially could have, given the plot. I think that gives you an idea of how well made it is. It was quite sad and moving and while not exactly perfect, it was quite a memorable film.

I would recommend this film as I felt it was well made, with great performances, a good use of music and an interesting plot. It is a bit slow as far as the plot pace is concerned and there are numerous scenes featuring whispered dialogue, which may well frustrate some but overall I very much liked this film and would recommend it to others. I would particularly recommend it if your keen on dialogue driven films, or more specifically, character focussed films.