‘The Danish Girl’ stars shine brightly

What It’s About

Eddie Redmayne, last year’s Oscar winner for “The Theory of Everything,” and rising star Alicia Vikander, deliver two of the year’s best performances in the visually stunning “The Danish Girl.”

Set in Copenhagen during the 1920s, Einar and Gerda Wegener (Redmayne and Vikander), are artists who live a Bohemian lifestyle. He’s the more successful painter, but after Gerda paints Einar dressed as a woman, her career takes off.

Einar, who has been living with a secret, feels free to reveal his true self. He feels more comfortable as a woman, and assumes a role as Lili Elbe, a portrain model.

While Gerda’s art career takes off, her marriage starts to crumble. They can no longer live a lie. While most doctors think something is wrong psychologically with Einer, one doctor realizes what is happening. He can perform a male to female sex change surgery.

Performances

Redmayne transforms himself into a woman not just by clothes and makeup. His entire body language changes. It is a masterful performance.

He is equally matched by Vikander (“Ex Machina”), who demonstrates strength as a woman who steadfastly supports her husband even though her life, as she knew it, is over. Her artistry and vulnerability are evident in this complex portrayal.

What Works

The set design by Eve Stewart is stunning and looks like a painting. The cinematography enhances the lushness of the period and the artwork, while the costumes, designed by Paco Delgado, are gorgeous. The film’s overall look is grand.

Alexandre Desplat’s music score is luxurious as well.

What Doesn’t Work

While everything is beautiful, the film often feels stilted. Director Tom Hooper (“The King’s Speech”) uses his trademark close-ups excessively and lets the camera linger too long while he should be advancing the story.

The message of tolerance and its relevance today is duly noted. That’s the take-away, that people can’t hide their true selves. And they should not be ashamed.

This film has chosen to wrap that message in beautiful accoutrements.

This story was originally published December 17, 2015 at 7:32 AM with the headline "‘The Danish Girl’ stars shine brightly."