TRANSAMERICA

"I have to get back for my operation"

Bree (Huffman) only has a week to wait before she finally becomes a complete woman. After living the transsexual life, the operation that will change her forever is the biggest decision she has ever had to make and with the help of her therapist she knows she is doing the right thing. All her preparation is thrown out when she receives a phone call from the New York police department say that her son Toby (Zegers) has been arrested and she is his only contact number. This comes as a complete shock to Bree because she didn't even know that she had a son and is definitely not prepared to be a father.

Transsexuals are no strangers to Hollywood movies but they are usually figures of fun or comic relief, 'Transamerica' treats them completely different however.

Writer/director Duncan Tucker makes his feature length movie debut and makes quite an impact. The tale of Bree journey into womanhood is not just a story about change but also one about discovering who you actually are. The film asks the question that does transformation of yourself actually make you like yourself any better or do you still need a purpose or reason for living to make yourself happy. For Bree she believes that her final operation will make her happy but she is about to discover that she needs a more in her life than just herself.

By consentrating on producing realistic approach to the issues faced by transsexuals that are about to go into their final operation you instantly invest in the lead character. While some might not think they could possibly have nothing in common with a man who wants to be a woman or understand what they are going through but there is much more to the movie than just transsexual issues. This is a film about discovering who you are and been happy with yourself and your life. Even though it does touch upon homosexual issues, it is the family dynamic between Bree and Toby and Bree and her estranged family.

This believability and connectivity would not be possible without strong and powerful performances from the two lead players. Controversially casting a woman in the role of Bree, Felicity Huffman performance is as far removed from anything she has done before as she could possibly be. After the unbelievable success of 'Desperate Housewives', her role as Lynette is completely different to her role of Bree in this movie and she has to be applauded for this choice. Many an actor or actress who gains success from a TV series struggles to step out of the shadow of their small screen character but this role showcases the talent of this fine actress. She gives her all in the role, transforming herself completely and becoming the character. You don't doubt that she is a transsexual for one instant.

Accompanying her on her journey of self-discovery is Kevin Zegers as Bree's long lost son Toby. This is a breakthrough role for the actor who has been a bit part player in many a TV show or movie and he grabs his chance. Toby is just as complex a character as Bree, facing the same issues of self-discovery and belonging that face his only living parent. He is also a very believable character, forced into a destitute life of drugs and prostitution just to live but when he meets Bree his life starts to turn around. This is a role that will make people take notice of Zegers' talent and one that will kick start his career.

'Transamerica' succeeds because of the strength of its performances and most importantly the story. Because it treats the issue of transsexuality with realism, you discover that everyone faces the same problems as everyone else and we just simply need a reason for liking yourself and the need to be part of a family. This is a movie that will touch you and while it might not appeal to everyone, this is a worth making a change to see.