Carlotta

Continuing with the trans*explosion...

Very few film festivals picked up this little Australian gem. Really, there are some/many LGBT programmers who do not deserve their job title - their job is getting films to an audience - sometimes they forget the reason why they were employed in the first place.

Now, the reason why this film is particularly noteworthy is because...it raises that old boisterous question: Should trans*characters be played exclusively by trans*actors?

A juicy question that never returns a ripe answer.

Here, the central character - Carlotta - is played by a woman. Jessica Marais plays a trans*woman. An interesting idea on the whole 'passing' conundrum...and, it works to a certain extent. You do see a woman, you don't see a trans*woman...and that, in itself, has both strengths and weaknesses. You could easily argue that it actually defeats the purpose!

Trans*depiction (on film) really is all about 'passing' - does the actor look like a 'real' woman or man? Jessica Marais looks like a 'real' woman (because she is)...but, looks nowhere near a young man (because the make-up and wardrobe department let her down rather badly).

Despite giving a decidedly credible performance as a woman, the crux of the story is weakened...however, all is not lost, the striking Eamon Farren comes to the rescue. Bringing a much-needed extra dimension, Ava...a trans*woman (played by a man) who doesn't want to go all the way to the operating table. Blurring the already blurred lines between the trans*gender/sexual/vestite algorithm...

Ava's journey is mindless and treacherous, whereas Carlotta's is mindful treachery...'passing' may be the aim, the final destination...but, without truth, it becomes a mighty dangerous deception. 'Passing' & truth (to yourself & others) need to go hand-in-hand...the sensitivities towards 'trans' - no doubt - will continue to rage...truth helps, education more so...there are bigger issues other than who should play a trans*character!

Carlotta may not be widely known outside her native Australia...still, her story resonates as to the complexity and uniqueness of transition...in her time, she battled against the odds and triumphed. Sadly, there are many who falter and fall.

Despite its budget, Carlotta is a finely told and played film that - admirably - doesn't shirk away from some of the more unpleasant aspects of transition. It could have gone further, dug deeper, better make-up, marketing...but, that all costs money.

A little gem of a film that should have been seen by more people.

Trailer...here