The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert 8/10

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (R) 1994
Reviewer’s Tilt (4)
Comedy-104min
Special DVD Features worth a look-None

This movie will make you laugh, make you cry and make you wish you were a ping-pong ball. Well maybe not laugh and cry, but trust me on the ping-pong ball. This film showcases tough guys Terence Stamp (Wilson in The Limey) Hugo Weaving (Agent Smith in The Matrix) and Guy Pearce (Detective Lieutenant Exley in L.A. Confidential) as a transsexual and two transvestites traveling across the Australian Outback. The three are secluded to perform a cabaret show at a secluded casino if their big pink bus can make the trip. Flamboyant dress and cliché dialogue, which would otherwise destroy a lesser movie, bring this movie to life. The costumes won this picture and Oscar and the impeccable acting puts feeling behind the hackneyed script.

Although the movie is a comedy, and is replete with unfair stereotypes, the actors convey an underlying angst that sets this movie apart from lesser attempts. More than a film about age, gender, transgender or homosexuality, this film is about the difference between who we are, and who we appear to be. Do not spend too so time looking for this film’s deeper meaning, however, that you miss the subtle humor. Finally, you must view the film in Widescreen format to avoid missing half of the action.

Format: Color, Widescreen, Pan and Scan, Closed captioned.
Sound: (Dolby Digital 5.0), French (Dolby Digital 5.0)
Extras: Trailer.

Brett Trout