Hedwig and the Angry Itch (2001) dir. John Cameron Mitchell
The Andromeda Strain (1971) dir. Robert Wise
This unlikely pairing was pure happenstance, which seems to make it all the more enjoyable. I caught Hedwig at ImageOut, Rochester's annual festival of queer cinematic delights, and finally got around to watching The Andromeda Strain after my first attempt while working at Video Rodeo was interrupted by a distracting amount of pizza, beer, and friendly visits. Visually striking but moving along a patient, science-driven narrative, Wise's apocalyptic epic demands your full attention. On the other hand, Hedwig should only be viewed in the company of loud, drunk friends who don't mind singing along. This transgender punk-opera is in the same camp as Rocky Horror, but, for my money, takes the musical elements to a catchier, freakier level. The cultural landscapes of East Germany and Middle America glow in this film, complemented by the scathing riffs and soothing ballads offered up by The Angry Itch. It's a lullaby for your stable sexuality.
