The taboo of men wearing women’s clothing has been around for decades and directors having been making millions off of movies like “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”(1975) and “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything Julie Newmar” (1995) but the cult classic “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen on the Desert” by far out does the rest.
The movie follows Mitzi, Hugo Weaving (The Matrix), Felicia, played by Guy Pearce (Memento), and Bernadette, Terrance Stamp (Wanted), as they travel across the Australian outback to perform a drag performance at a hotel on the other side of the continent. They leave Sydney behind and head out into the wilderness in their bus appropriately named Priscilla.
This cult classic is full of witty humor, not only in the acting but also in the keen writing. The conflict between the older Bernadette and younger Felicia keeps the audience fully entertained. Whether Felicia is laying on the breaks as Bernadette applies lips stick or Bernadette is delivering witty one liners, the audience is sure to laugh. When Felicia describes his dream to climb a rock in the outback in drag Bernadette retorts, “Just what this country needs a cock in a frock on a rock.” Even the ever famous ABBA “turd,” which is in a jar worn around Felicia’s neck, adds touches of unique an undeniable humor.
The writing in “Priscilla” all account for heavy issues primarily the treatment of gay individuals. While on the road, someone scrawls, “Go Home AIDS Fuckers” on the side of Priscilla which devastates the trio. As they travel further into the outback, the more abuse they suffer. Bernadette then delivers one of the most poignant lines of the movie, she says, “I don't know if that ugly wall of suburbia's been put there to stop them getting in, or us getting out.”
Despite the heavy hitting message, the intermittent dance numbers and costumes lighten the mood. The Academy Award winning costumes are showcased in the lively dance performances. Mitzi dons a dress made of orange and pink flip flops as she parades around a suburban town and not only gets looks from the passersby on the street but also from the viewers. During the one of the final performances some the most fantastical outfits are showcased. The dance number allows for numerous outfit changes including feathery dresses and hats with Emu heads on them, shiny yellow jumpsuits with hoods that pop out like a bearded lizard neck, and dresses that when put together make the outline of the Sydney Opera House.
The primarily male cast does a fantastic job of transforming into drag queens. Not only did they have to wear pounds of make up in dance in heels but all three of them had to break from their usually more masculine roles. Bernadette’s cynicism and Felicia’s obnoxiousness are portrayed perfectly as if there were no difference between the actors and the roles they were playing. None of the actors tried to over compensate by making their voices higher or having overly effeminate walks. Little touches and details in the acting made the characters much more believable.
The blend of humor, drama, and ABBA are a perfect combination for success in this drag queen movie.
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