Normal

"Normal" is a story about who Roy really is on the inside. He is committed to becoming his true self at the risk of losing his family, his friends, and even his wits. The performances by Tom Wilkinson and Jessica Lange are unapologetic and courageous. On a scale of 1 to 10, I happily award this film a solid "10."

Normal deals with an extremely sensitive subject usually dealt with in an urban context, involving a much younger protagonist who is physically more acceptable in transition, and largely ignoring the point of view of the loved ones who have to cope with such a radical transformation. Jessica Lange's midwestern housewife suddenly thrust into dealing with the previously unthinkable is really the focus here, and she does a masterful job of portraying the anger, confusion, and ultimate reluctant acceptance of her husband's transition into a female gender role. The reactions of the town, and of the couple's young adult son are similarly sensitively handled. The adolescent daughter's acceptance may have been just a bit too easy, as was his transition at work.What was most missing was Roy's internal development; having decided upon a radical course of action after what we see as only occasional precipitating factors, he just pursues it stolidly, if in a touchingly inept 'male' way. (Clip-on earrings before eyebrows, an androgynous necklace or bracelet, or light make-up? What could he have been thinking?) There would have had to have been hundreds of appointments with therapists, psychiatrists, physicians, gatekeepers of all kinds, which are totally invisible here; in fact, it's not clear how he could have gathered all the resources necessary so quickly from his location in a small prairie town apparently far from Chicago. Real-life Roy might have played with a falsetto when alone, but only sotto voce in a choir; he probably would at least try to learn something about voice modification from the Web.Still, kudos to Tom Wilkinson for taking this role, which most men would refuse to even consider, and which wouldn't be easy even for a genuine transsexual woman to portray (although their issues would be coming from the other side.) Hayden Panettiere was adorable as the understanding daughter, although most memoirs indicate it isn't so easy even for the most open-minded kids. Even if it was a little too easy (we don't see any of Roy/Ruth's relatives rejecting her, other than the senile father), the film was courageous, and for the most part an unblinking look at something most observers don't even try to understand, much less depict sympathetically. HBO also deserves much praise for producing and releasing it.

There are golden moments in dramatic works - theatre, cinema - which remain with the viewer - Brando and Steiger in the taxi et al - but I really feel this film has more than one. And that I guess is thanks to the superb casting of all parts but especially the rivetting performances of Mr Wilkinson and Ms Lange who are two of the finest actors working in film and have proved through a body of work they up with the greats. Its tone is pitch perfect with the ironic voice of the director felt at every turn with the terrific counterweight of the soundtrack.But to begin at the beginning - I'm not one to rush out to see some damn self righteous film about people with sex "problems" not least "the man who wants to be a woman problem film" or another film about how traumatic it is to be homosexual or heterosexual. But drama is not just entertainment and great drama can be both entertaining and enlightening about what is termed our "condition" as humans. NORMAL does this brilliantly and demonstrates how Americans at least "normal" ones are so aroused or unsettled by sexual matters that they would rather impeach a President for exposing himself and let another one off for bombing another country (Cambodia) illegally. Undoubtedly, if your Dad comes home one night in drag it would be off putting - the glory of the film I think is the journey the character portayed by Mr Wilkinson makes in the physical sense and the journey thecharacter played by Ms Lange makes in the psychological sense which she has to make in a very short time indeed. It is above all else a truly great LOVE story without a dull moment. One lovely moment comes as Mr Wilkinson's character is driving home singing a hymn, then tries it in falsetto to see how it sounds and seems to relax completely into himself. A beautiful work - with some lessons in great acting for aspirants to that difficult profession.

I caught this on cable and found myself unable to turn it off. Its the story of a husband and father living in a quiet, rural community who can no longer take living a lie. Roy is a woman living inside a man's body. He realizes he can no longer keep this to himself, confiding in his wife and turning their marriage and the community upside down. When he begins to wear earrings to the factory and singing in the women's choir, the family begins to be quietly isolated. I feel the reason he might have been left alone could have been because of respect for his wife and children. I don't know if that would be the same in real life. I seriously doubt it but even that little bit of what I believe is naive optimism doesn't detract from this film.What is most touching is how the daughter handles it. She instantly embraces her father. Their grown son is less able to deal with it but the scene between father and son is touching. Its Jessica Lange that steals the show as Irma. Her reactions from anger to mourning are always dead on. Wilkinson is also wonderful as the tortured Roy who can see what he's doing to his family but can't stop himself in his search for personal freedom.The scenery in this film is amazing and the music fits each scene. I was really impressed by everything about this film and would recommend it to anyone.5 stars and then some. Normal will stay with you long after the film has ended.

This is a wonderful movie about a middle aged man who finally reveals to all that he has always felt he is woman and has now decided to become what he truly always was, a woman in every way. This movie depicts all the turmoil his revelation causes in his wife and family, co-workers and friends. We see him as he slowly begins making little changes in his appearance as he gets ready to go through the sex change.The movie also shows how a so-called accepting and forgiving church community now shuns him as he becomes what he is and ever wanted to be. His young daughter is an amazing teenager who shows great understanding and love towards her parent and fully stands by him. Upon hearing his understandably shocking news his loving wife blames herself and is confused and very very hurt.They separate for a while but reunite shortly thereafter and she also comes to support his decision and help him in every way, even when it's time to pick out flattering new clothes for "Ruth. This whole family remains a solid unit.That is what this wonderful movie is about. Enduring love, understanding and acceptance.

ce film est vraiment interessant car c'est un sujet tres delicat meme de nos jours. Je trouve les personnes attachantes, ce genre de film est tres rare sur nos ecran, et c'est tres tabou meme en 2010. Mais beaucoup plus rependu qu'on peux le croire.c'est un tres bon film a voir parce que c'est vraiment réaliste. Je recommande ce dvd à tous.

I found that this movie really sugar coats the transgender transition. The movie is entertaining, however the only character who's feelings about the process come across, are Jessica Lange's. I don't think this is an adequate portrayal of this type of life experience.

Touchant. Bravo à Tom Wilkinson.

Fabulous movie - 100% recommended.Jessica Lange & Tom Wilkinson tell the story with beauty, love & compassion - a must see!