1. Glen or Glenda
In my opinion, Ed Wood was years ahead of his time. Now, before I get chastised for saying that, let me explain: He had the guts to make movies that nobody else was making at the time. The only way he could get the budget for making those movies was by bending to appease producers and throwing in elements that didn't make sense and threw off the flow of his movies, but he did it anyway because he had such a passion for making movies and that was the only way he could do it. I think with a bigger budget and more artistic control, Wood's films would be recognized for a whole different reason today. That doesn't matter though, it is all in the past and can't be changed and it isn't why we're here. We're here to discuss 'Glen or Glenda', Wood's semi-autobiographical, transvestite masterpiece that exposed his love of angora sweaters and blonde wigs. 'Glen or Glenda' tells the tale of two men - Glen, a man who enjoyed wearing women's clothing, and Alan, a 'pseudo-hermaphrodite' who had surgery to change his sex. The film shows the negative and narrow-minded reactions from the regular, god-fearing folk, and even has a weird dream sequence with Satan! If you haven't seen any of Ed Wood's films, please go check them out. They may be dated and they're known for being awful, but they've got a certain charm and energy that most modern films just don't have. 'Glen or Glenda' was the first film of our 'Transvestite' themed Bad Movie Night, and what a way to start!
2. Vegas In Space
3. Let Me Die A Woman
Undoubtedly the most uncomfortable movie the Bad Movie Club has so far endured, 'Let Me Die A Woman' was sexploitation master Doris Wishman's sleazy, pseudo-documentary about both men and women who were pre-op or post-op transsexuals. Not that the subject matter is particularly unsettling (although if that part makes you uncomfortable, I guarantee you can't handle this movie), but some of the scenes are unexpected and at times border on pornographic (which can be a little weird in a group setting). But for what it is worth, I have to admit I like this movie. The film follows the real Dr. Leo Wollman, a doctor who assisted transsexuals with the transition, as he described the changes bodies go through and what often goes on in the body and mind of a person who identifies more with the opposite sex. While being partially informative, there is no question that this is an exploitation film. It even goes so far as to include a sex scene with adult superstar Harry Reems. It is a very interesting film, not for the easily offended. As my friend Blade pointed out, the star of the movie was really a (never explained) baby skeleton in a jar on the doctor's desk. Worth noting is Doris Wishman started filming eight years prior under the title 'Adam Or Eve' and some of that footage found its way to the final product, which explains why the doctor occasionally sits at different office desks in different buildings and looks like two different people. This movie was more of a challenge to see who could make it through, and I'm proud to say everyone who started the movie stayed to finish it!
