‘Enigma’ Review: A Fascinating Portrait of Two Trailblazing Transgender Legends

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Under the direction of Zachary Drucker (“The Stroll”), “Enigma” offers another captivating exploration into trans history. Instead of New York’s streets, this time we journey through Parisian nightclubs shimmering with glamour and the edge of British nobility, unraveling the tale of Amanda Lear and April Ashley. The documentary adheres to a straightforward chronological structure, utilizing archival footage and interviews from the period. What makes “Enigma” particularly intriguing is Drucker’s interview with Lear, which injects the narrative with tension and conflict, providing an essential counterpoint to the more conventional aspects of the film.

Known as the “queen of disco” and a prominent figure in the 1970s, Lear was a celebrated performer and celebrity, while Ashley initially pursued modeling before becoming a trailblazer for transgender rights in her home country, England. As per Ashley’s memoir, which forms the basis of the film, they first crossed paths as showgirls in Paris’ cabaret Le Carrousel during the late 1950s. In the movie, it is mentioned that Lear went by Peki d’Oslo at that time. Although Ashley served as her mentor, after both undergoing their respective transitions, Lear chose to disavow her past and sever ties with everyone who knew her prior, preferring to live solely as a woman. In contrast, Ashley was publicly outed due to a contentious divorce in the British courts, which led to years of struggle as she fought for recognition as a woman while enduring treatment as an oddity.

The contrast between the two central figures, who are revered by numerous modern transgender women, lends “Enigma” its powerful storyline. By utilizing old interviews, primarily from television, Lear and Ashley are repeatedly questioned about their biological gender origins. Lear refutes this claim, while Ashley asserts that she is “biologically male but socially female.” These exchanges can be challenging to witness, particularly in today’s context where trans individuals are frequently forced to validate their identities. However, it’s commendable that “Enigma” remains impartial, portraying both journeys as legitimate options.

The movie offers an opportunity for the female characters to express their individual traits. Although April’s character is predominantly portrayed through archival interviews due to Ashley Drucker’s passing in 2021, both characters are given significant on-screen moments to reveal their unique personalities. April appears humorous and self-effacing, seemingly at ease with her identity despite persistent doubts about her gender. On the other hand, Lear presents as confident, though underlying tension is hinted at as she denies any connection with Ashley or past experiences at Le Carrousel. She also chooses not to disclose her birth name or discuss her life in detail. However, without Drucker’s personal interview with Lear and subsequent confrontation with evidence from her past, would the viewers have picked up on this complexity? Despite Lear insisting she has always been a woman, the film frequently cuts to others verifying her transition.

The Drucker/Lear interview provides “Enigma” with its most captivating discussion point. Both parties are cordial towards each other, yet there’s an undercurrent of tension and disagreement. This raises questions about how honest pioneers should be with their modern-day counterparts. Lear made her own choices and lived her life autonomously. The movie attempts to reveal her sexual orientation and frequently references Ashley’s book, which exposed her. Furthermore, there are segments in the film written by the directors and voiced by an actor based on Ashley’s life, which appear probing towards Lear. However, Lear consented to be interviewed, and her past – including questions about her identity – is a matter of public record. “Enigma” does not take a definitive stance on whether Ashley’s or Lear’s path was preferable. Nevertheless, the Lear interviews give it a unique flavor and make it more than just another documentary detailing someone’s famous life.

Elsewhere, “Enigma” follows a typical structure, featuring interviews with artists from Le Carrousel and modern historians and performers who discuss Ashley and Lear. The sections involving contemporary historians aren’t as compelling, suggesting they were included to provide context that the filmmakers struggled to integrate naturally. A scene showing two individuals strolling around Pigalle in Paris while discussing the history of drag performance serves as a clear example of this weakness.

Intriguingly, both Lear and Ashley serve as captivating main characters for a documentary. The admiration for them by Drucker is evident. Notably, “Enigma,” an HBO production that debuted at the Sundance Film Festival, primarily gains its power from Lear’s unwavering determination to remain true to herself. As a result, the film has the potential to instill courage in its viewers, regardless of their individual identities.

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2025-02-01 23:16