Much like the 1996 film The Celluloid Closet, this documentary re-examins the portrayal of trans people on screen throughout the ages - from TV, to talk shows, to documentaries and all the way to the big screen. It's amazing how incredibly fast the representation of trans people has evolved over the years.
I did take issue with a few things, however. First off, there are only American trans people shown being interviewed and no British trans actors and writers such as Rebecca Root and Juno Dawson.
Secondly, it presents the idea that cisgendered people playing trans people leads directly to violence, which is absurd. Trying to make the link between the two doesn't make sense. Acting is acting and everyone has the right to play anyone.
Thirdly, the people in documentary by the end of it argue that putting the spotlight on transpeople, elevating them and praising them and putting them the screens - also leads to bigots to beat trans folks in the street in real life. Although they offer a solution: do more for the real life community, the discomfort of trying to elevate a trans person which would lead to another's death leaves a slightly bitter taste in the mouth.
I would have also liked to have had Natalie Wynn, the YouTuber who created the ContraPoints channel have her say because she is really awesome and smart (being an ex philosopher). Definitely check out her channel.
Secondly, it presents the idea that cisgendered people playing trans people leads directly to violence, which is absurd. Trying to make the link between the two doesn't make sense. Acting is acting and everyone has the right to play anyone.
Thirdly, the people in documentary by the end of it argue that putting the spotlight on transpeople, elevating them and praising them and putting them the screens - also leads to bigots to beat trans folks in the street in real life. Although they offer a solution: do more for the real life community, the discomfort of trying to elevate a trans person which would lead to another's death leaves a slightly bitter taste in the mouth.
I would have also liked to have had Natalie Wynn, the YouTuber who created the ContraPoints channel have her say because she is really awesome and smart (being an ex philosopher). Definitely check out her channel.