Supelice
Dreadfully Boring
SteinMo
What a freaking movie. So many twists and turns. Absolutely intense from start to finish.
WillSushyMedia
This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.
Aron Lewis
"Normal" took me completely by surprise. Usually, a television only broadcasted movie means that this film wasn't even good enough to be shown in the theater. But that's not the case at all. "Normal" tells the story of a man who should have been born a woman. At first, the premise doesn't seem so different than "A Beautiful Boxer". However, what makes this story special is that the main character is a middle-aged man who has been married for 20 years, has two children, and a solid job where he is in line for a promotion. You can only imagine the reaction his wife, co-workers, and the community had when they found out the secret he's been hiding for decades. That's the premise, and as you follow along with everything that happens on screen, you'll be amazed at how fluidly and realistically it flows.This is a perfect example of a "what if". What if this happened in your neighborhood? What if this was your uncle or father? What would you do and what would happen around you? Honestly, whatever happens, it probably wouldn't be too different than what happens in "Normal".A lot of the credit goes to the actors here. Jessica Lange and Tom Wilkinson give an amazing performance as husband and wife. The kids do an exceptional job, as well. To back it up writer and director Jane Anderson plots out this movie painstakingly, lingering at just the right moments and pulling away at just the right times.Overall, I highly recommend "Normal" to everyone. If you consider this a niche movie just because it handles transgender themes then your missing out because this is one of the most touching and pure love stories I have ever seen.
tuc71836
The storyline of Normal is innovative, and it is certainly a good film. The acting is fantastic, so I could enjoy watching the film. I think this film is different from other genre's film since acting is vivid and the storyline is unique. Although the issue in the film is a little heavy, some of the scenes in the film use a lighter way to portray it. The way of how Ruth tells his co-worker that he is going do the sex operation is amusing; therefore, mood of the film is consider not too heavy. Also, the make- up and costumes of Ruth is very natural for me. Ruth might be considering as transvestite before doing the sex-change operation; however, Ruth's make- up and costume is not too exaggerated. As a result, the film deserved the Emmy Award (Make Up). In my opinion, the theme of the film is love, and people can overcome many difficult situations by the power of love. Also, family stands an extremely important influence in everyone's life. Irma's love and support for Ruth illustrates love can actually overcome the difficulties in your life. I think this film is appealing to everyone since the mood in the film is light.
MarieGabrielle
are very good in this film, so I would not discount it, even though someone may not identify with these issues. Also, the subject matter was approached in a thoughtful and thought-provoking manner, even if not 100% accurate, and I freely admit I would need to learn more, as a psychology student, but isn't that what film is for-to at least inform the public?.The initial confrontation with Wilkinson as Roy and Lange as Irma-in a small mid-western town- when speaking to the minister, who intimates it may be Irma's "fault". Classic denial. Patty Ann is well portrayed by Hayden Panettiere, who is more accepting: ..."Gee, Dad I always wanted to be a boy; they get to do all the good stuff"... while Lange tries to make her wear dresses. There are some amusing scenes, as Wilkinson buys some garments for after the surgery, and Lange gives him advice, eventually ordering his dresses via mail order. Another amusing scene is when Irma goes on a date, at Roy's insistence, and Clancy Brown(her date) informs her that he has protection- she laughs and says ..."you know I'm menopausal"...There is one scene where they visit Roy's parents, and his father was clearly abusive. At one point he becomes suicidal, but Lange stays in the marriage, supporting his issues. The son, (played by Joe Fikora), must have been a difficult role in real life. Imagine going away to college, and then, upon a visit for Thanksgiving, realizing he has to call his parents, Irma and Ruth(Roy's name for after the surgery)?.Body dysmorphic disorder is a real condition the public knows little about. I thought Tom Wilkinson did an excellent job, this does not come off as campy, of course I know I could never get my husband to watch this movie, but it is progress that the subject is being addressed more by filmmakers.
Travis_Bickle01
"Normal" tells the story of Roy and Irma, who have been married for 25 years. The marriage has got ups and downs, but after 25 years you would think that they've seen the worst. At least, that's what Irma thought. But then Roy reveals something he had kept secret for quite some years. He doesn't feel comfortable in his own body, he feels like God gave him the wrong body. He wants to be a woman.What follows is the struggle of Irma and Roy, handling this problem. First we got Roy's part, who feels relieved after his confession and happy as well being finally 'out of the closet'. But his colleagues and friends aren't very supportive and understanding. There's the scene where Roy got punched by some of his colleagues after he came to work wearing earrings. I really loved this scene. Not the beating of course but the part where he is walking to the workplace wearing men clothes and still looking like a man, but wearing typical women earrings. It thought it was amazingly brave doing this! I felt sorry for him as well because I knew he would be punched by some of his colleagues for this.On the other hand we have the struggle of Irma, who suddenly has lost her husband after 25 years of marriage. The problem isn't that her husband didn't thread her respectful neither that he was cheating on her. The problem was that her husband who she had loved for more than 25 years, suddenly was becoming a woman. The problem is also that she doesn't have anyone else, she doesn't want anyone else either."Normal" is a magnificent movie handling a very difficult subject: sex change. Both leading actors are brilliant. Tom Wilkinson is extraordinary good. Magnificent performance! Jessica Lange on the other hand is very touching in her role of being the supportive and understanding wife. Being there for her husband, through anything. It's this element of unconditional love and the outstanding acting performances by both leading actors that makes the movie so wonderful. Certainly worth watching! 8/10
