by Laura W
London is a wondrous city. It is full of lights, arts, foods, spectacular sights and more. It is also full of culture. With Dressed as a Girl, the film dives into an intimate look of the East End London drag scene. Directed by London-based Colin Rothbart, the film is a colourful journey that follows key moments in the day-to-day lives of the cast members and their families. A layered film, Dressed as a Girl isn’t your typical documentary.
London is a wondrous city. It is full of lights, arts, foods, spectacular sights and more. It is also full of culture. With Dressed as a Girl, the film dives into an intimate look of the East End London drag scene. Directed by London-based Colin Rothbart, the film is a colourful journey that follows key moments in the day-to-day lives of the cast members and their families. A layered film, Dressed as a Girl isn’t your typical documentary.
Jonny Yoo is the main narrative voice of the documentary, guiding us through the both personal and professional stories of himself and several others. Often, with many documentaries, we’re left to deal with a tedious narration – not so with this particular one. Jonny works brilliantly as the narrator, keeping everything moving at a steady pace. We are also introduced to the families of the cast, who beautifully expand on stories that are relayed. The audience is treated to an inside look at a quest for originality and more. However, with every positive and happy moment, there is usually a down moment to counter these. We hear of issues with booze, drugs, mental and emotional struggles, such as coming out and transitioning, and more.
This film is brilliant in so many ways. Colin directed the film as though we were in the palm of each storyteller’s hands. The way the documentary plays out, it is almost as if Colin, along with producer Chris Amos, sat down and plotted every single detail out. They then got the film’s crew together and brought every carefully plotted detail to life. The amount of effort that went into the creation of the documentary is apparent. The final product could have benefited from being about half an hour longer, as there is almost a want to see more.
This film is brilliant in so many ways. Colin directed the film as though we were in the palm of each storyteller’s hands. The way the documentary plays out, it is almost as if Colin, along with producer Chris Amos, sat down and plotted every single detail out. They then got the film’s crew together and brought every carefully plotted detail to life. The amount of effort that went into the creation of the documentary is apparent. The final product could have benefited from being about half an hour longer, as there is almost a want to see more.
Colin made the brilliant decision to plunge into each “character’s” personal lives with no holds barred. Initially, we're introduced to each cast member and their respective personas. As the film goes on, individual layers are peeled back and the audience falls further in. As each surface is unearthed, the personal investment gets deeper, and becomes more truthful and candid. The audience almost gains a full understanding of each factor behind each professional and individual decision. From Jonny to Holestar, everything is exposed. While following Amber’s story, we witness her transition from the beginning, when she starts off the film as Dean. It feels almost intrusive, to a degree, to witness such a personal journey.
Each shot of the documentary, while jerky at moments, is gripping; there's always that need for more, more, more. Thankfully, each story transitions well, meaning no confusion; there’s also enough information to work with, along with no jagged edits, cuts or transitions that can so often be a nuisance. Colin also applies a brilliant use of the spectrum to assist with the flow of not only the stories, but the general film. The colours help with explaining each situation and they help hold the eye.
Sadly, there are not enough documentaries that live up to the brilliant standard that has now been set by Dressed as a Girl. It’s an absolutely fascinating piece of work. You’re not quite sure what to expect, or when to expect it. Overall, Dressed as a Girl packs some great punches. It’s an emotional roller coaster. It was an official selection of numerous film festivals, including an Official Selection at this year's East End Film Festival . Full of vibrancy and life, Dressed as a Girl is worth watching.
Each shot of the documentary, while jerky at moments, is gripping; there's always that need for more, more, more. Thankfully, each story transitions well, meaning no confusion; there’s also enough information to work with, along with no jagged edits, cuts or transitions that can so often be a nuisance. Colin also applies a brilliant use of the spectrum to assist with the flow of not only the stories, but the general film. The colours help with explaining each situation and they help hold the eye.
Sadly, there are not enough documentaries that live up to the brilliant standard that has now been set by Dressed as a Girl. It’s an absolutely fascinating piece of work. You’re not quite sure what to expect, or when to expect it. Overall, Dressed as a Girl packs some great punches. It’s an emotional roller coaster. It was an official selection of numerous film festivals, including an Official Selection at this year's East End Film Festival . Full of vibrancy and life, Dressed as a Girl is worth watching.
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