Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001)

Synopsis of Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Adapted from the hit off-Broadway musical of the same name, Hedwig and the Angry Inch is the tale of an "internationally ignored" rock & roll singer who hails from Communist Berlin and who dreams of becoming an American sensation. Hedwig (John Cameron Mitchell), born a boy named Hansel, is raised by a single mother (Alberta Watson) who wishes to see her son do better than his poverty-stricken family. Some years later, Hansel is attracted to a good-looking American G.I., who promises a better life overseas for young Hansel, under one condition: that he undergo a sex-change operation to become a fully functional female whom he can then marry. The operation is seriously botched, leaving the now-renamed Hedwig with an "angry inch" only to be stranded in a dingy Kansas trailer park on the day the Berlin Wall comes tumbling down. Hedwig then supports herself through a series of ill-fated lounge gigs and side jobs, meeting up with 16-year-old Tommy Gnosis (Michael Pitt), a religious type who befriends her and later steals her songs and becomes the rock star Hedwig always dreamed of being. Undeterred, Hedwig continues to perform in the shadow of Tommy's sold-out stadium tour, attempting to make herself whole in spirit, if not physically. The film features several songs by composer Stephen Trask, who also appears as a member of Hedwig's disinterested rock band; Miriam Shor portrays Hedwig's newfound love and backup singer. ~ Jason Clark, Rovi

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Theatrical Feature Running Time:

91 mins

Director(s):

John Cameron Mitchell

Writer(s):

John Cameron Mitchell

Producer(s):

Christine Vachon, Pamela Koffler, Katie Roumel

Theatrical MPAA Rating:

R(Not For Children, Adult Humor, Sexual Situations, Profanity, Nudity)

• 2001 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - New Generation Award
• 2001 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Music Score (Runner-up)
• 2001 - National Board of Review - Best Directorial Debut
• 2000 - Sundance Film Festival - Dramatic Audience Award
• 2000 - Sundance Film Festival - Dramatic Directing Award
• 2001 - Toronto Film Critics Association - Best Actor - Runner-up

Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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