So says wife Jessica Lange to husband Tom Wilkinson when out of the blue he announces that he has been struggling with gender issues and is desperate to have gender reassignment surgery. Her reaction is to kick him out, and he starts to try women's perfume, ultimately adding clothing, shoes and jewelry to his/her new identity, even choosing a new name while struggling to keep the marriage intact. This creates more than just marital issues with the two children having varying reactions, and ultimately, Wilkinson becomes ostracized in community, even by minister Randall Arney. Only daughter Hayden Pantierre seems to be accepting as Wilkinson struggles to maintain her dignity. "Little House on the Prairie's" Richard Bull is memorable as Wilkinson's very old fashioned father. A tough subject matter, with the controversial subject of gender disphoria not much talked about in 2003 as it is today.
Jane Anderson adapted her own play to present this HBO movie, also directed it, with subtle bits of humor not making fun of Wilkinson's situation, but perhaps revealing it a bit too bluntly. When Wilkinson tells his boss his intentions (as he has not yet started his transition), there is appropriate shaking both in his hands and voice, and Wilkinson makes it clear that the character of Roy does indeed have female characteristics which comes natural in presenting Ruth. I didn't find uncomfortable feelings in watching Roy/Ruth as it's clear that they are a noble individual who genuinely feels out of sorts. He is great in this part, certainly sincere in believing in the role, and while Lange could have made her reactions far more horrified than they are turns in a believable performance. Certainly parts that could have been taken in a lighter way creating giggles end up being more profound, adding greatly to the film's impact.
Jane Anderson adapted her own play to present this HBO movie, also directed it, with subtle bits of humor not making fun of Wilkinson's situation, but perhaps revealing it a bit too bluntly. When Wilkinson tells his boss his intentions (as he has not yet started his transition), there is appropriate shaking both in his hands and voice, and Wilkinson makes it clear that the character of Roy does indeed have female characteristics which comes natural in presenting Ruth. I didn't find uncomfortable feelings in watching Roy/Ruth as it's clear that they are a noble individual who genuinely feels out of sorts. He is great in this part, certainly sincere in believing in the role, and while Lange could have made her reactions far more horrified than they are turns in a believable performance. Certainly parts that could have been taken in a lighter way creating giggles end up being more profound, adding greatly to the film's impact.