Lille Spejl (Danish) [Mirror, Mirror]

The fact that this film was released back in 1978 is, in itself, a big surprise. While the story might not have much substance, the sheer fact that the film was made during that time is a huge deal. It portrays the lives of gay individuals and transvestites with a level of empathy that was rare for its era, especially in the form of a comedy. The central character, Bent, is a factory worker navigating the complexities of his life. We learn about his mother, who has always expressed a desire for a daughter instead of a son, his secretive existence at work, and his more liberated, “let-it-all-hang-out” life during his off-hours.

Brent, the aging gay man, takes center stage as the main protagonist. He deeply admires his mother, once a famous artist, who now lies on her deathbed, suffering from cancer. Throughout his life, he has lived in the shadow of his mother’s fame, constantly grappling with his own identity and trying to figure out who he really is. To survive, Brent resorts to odd jobs and petty theft. Along the way, he interacts with an eccentric group of friends who bring color to his life. These characters include a woman who runs a bar, an older gay man whose house is always filled with drag queens preparing for performances, and a straight couple who are Brent’s close friends—Brent secretly harbors a crush on the husband. While these characters don’t significantly drive the plot forward, they help to give the film a “slice of life” vibe. When Brent’s mother passes away, he’s faced with a reality check about his appearance and his place in the world. In the end, he leaves the city, taking his mother’s belongings with him.

Marketed as a queer comedy, this film is reflective of the era’s sensibilities, likely influenced by the famous French queer film *La Cage Aux Folles* (also released in 1978). Personally, this film wasn’t to my taste. It lacked a clear message or purpose, which I tend to look for in a film. Sure, you could point to themes like queer solidarity, rebellion against societal pettiness, and the celebration of life, but these themes, while valuable, don’t necessarily create a memorable viewing experience when presented in isolation. Thankfully, the lead actor gave a charming performance, portraying Brent beautifully with a mix of mischief, sadness, and lightheartedness, especially in his interactions with his mother. His performance was one of the highlights of the film, but ultimately, there wasn’t much to keep me engaged.

Even the drag friends, who spent most of the time dressing up, didn’t offer much in terms of depth or humor. The forced comedy surrounding a neighborhood man beating his wife or the new straight tenant didn’t land for me either. Ultimately, the film didn’t quite come together for me—it had potential, but it didn’t fulfill it in a way that made it a memorable or impactful experience.