Review of To Die Like a Man (2009) by Eric R — 23 Dec 2011
To Die Like A Man tells the story of Tonia, a homosexual transvestite (check if this is accurate) whose is in constant struggle with himself. The film studies Tonia's complex feelings of being stuck inbetween being everything he wants to be in a female, but yet knowing that he truly will never be one.
Tonia feels alone in the world. His boyfriend, Rosario, is a drug addict who is not very supportive or even nice. Her son is in denial of his own homosexuality and he takes this anger out on Tonia, pretty much disowning him.
Tonia's own body seems to reject the notion of being a woman. Music plays an intricate rule in expressing Tonia's state of mind. Being a show dancer and singer, there are quite a few scenes in which Tonia is shown singing these slow, somber songs in which the viewer and read between the lines for meaning in Tonia's own experiences.
Visually the aspects of the film in which Tonia controls are very bright and vibrant, specifically her apartment, which reminded me a lot of Almodavar film in its production design. Visually its well done and even has some phallic symbolism in a few places as another way of looking into Tonia's emotional state.
The films tragic end really wraps up this tortured soul perfectly, as he reflects on his failures as a father and desires which never were fully realized. To Die Like A Man is an emotionally complex tragedy which gives a unique viewpoint into a character which is rarely examined.
This review of To Die Like a Man (2009) was written by Eric R on 23 Dec 2011.
To Die Like a Man has generally received mixed reviews.
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