This movie is the kind of film that I would normally shy away from because it deals with family and sexuality. Those two subject, in the realm of television, are often treated either in a "Hallmark Hall of fame" way or it is totally dark and nihilistic. Writer/Director Jane Anderson has done a superb job in presenting the many layers of these complex people and their complex lives. Each family member is given their due in the sense that Ms. Anderson gives each of them enough time to show who they are. I think that it was pure genius to cast Jessica Lange as "the wife". From my point of view, her dynamic feminine presence made his choice to become a woman more compelling. Was he measuring his feminism against hers? how could he give up a woman like Ms. Lange? The last words spoken are the core of the film's message. It is worth the wait.
