As a movie critic with a background in gender studies and a deep appreciation for the evolution of comedy, I find the recent interview between Will Ferrell and Harper Steele both enlightening and thought-provoking. It’s refreshing to see two friends, who have been through the ups and downs of their careers together, now navigating the complexities of identity and representation in entertainment.
In a recent podcast interview on “The Interview” by The New York Times, comedian Will Ferrell shared that he no longer finds humor in performing in drag. Specifically, he mentioned feeling some remorse over the “Janet Reno’s Fantasies” sketch from SNL Season 23, where he portrayed the character of Janet Reno (the Attorney General) in drag for comedic effect.
Ferrell replied, ‘I’m not inclined to do that right now,’ when The Times pointed out that his character seems out of tune now.
I must admit, it’s quite disheartening for me to say this. The chuckle here seems more like a derisive laugh. It’s the kind that says, “Look at this person in a dress, isn’t that amusing?” Frankly, I find nothing amusing about it. I believe everyone deserves to live with dignity and respect, but when it comes to performers and actors, I do appreciate a touch of playfulness.
Steele pondered, “I find this question intriguing: Do queer individuals appreciate ‘The Birdcage,’ or not? Robin Williams, as far as we know, wasn’t gay himself, yet he portrayed a flamboyant gay character in much of his comedy. Is this humor, or offensive? I’ve heard from some gay men that it’s funny, while others have said it’s hurtful. As someone who values inclusivity and understanding, I question if we sometimes limit the fun and creativity when we restrict the expressive freedom of performers, particularly comedians.
Thirty years into their friendship, Steele revealed that she is transgender, an event now showcased in the critically-acclaimed documentary “Will & Harper.” This film, initially screened at Sundance this year before being acquired by Netflix, follows the journey of these two comedians as they embark on a cross-country road trip, reconnecting and strengthening their bond after Steele’s transition.
Ferrell admitted to The Times that he’s confident there are numerous sketches from his “SNL” era which he would regret doing. Later, he jokingly passed the blame, saying, “In a way, the cast was just given an assignment. So I guess I’ll blame the writers.
In a lighter tone, I joked, “Absolutely, he’s off the hook,” before shifting gears to a more somber note: “I penned pieces about Monica Lewinsky that I wasn’t particularly proud of. There were some commendable works on Britney Spears and others that I’m not as pleased with. Similar sentiments apply to my writings on Clinton. It’s time to move forward, it’s what I must do.
Steele and Ferrell became acquainted while they were both part of “Saturday Night Live,” a position Harper held from 1995 to 2008. In the year 2022, Harper publicly revealed that they are transgender.
Harper sent out numerous emails to her closest friends using the subject line: ‘Here’s an Unusual Announcement,'” Ferrell shared with EbMaster at Sundance this year. “She continued by stating she was planning a transition, which left us all thrilled and taken aback. Naturally, we were supportive and showed our affection…but this revelation sparked questions such as, ‘How can we aid you? What specific actions do you require from us?’
Ferrell said he had “zero knowledge” about the trans community before Harper came out to him.
Ferrell stated, ‘I’ve encountered trans individuals, but I don’t have any personally in my circle.’ Therefore, this was uncharted territory for me, which is why I find this movie so intriguing to share with the world. It provides an opportunity for all of us who identify as cisgender to ask questions and simply listen, offering support as a friend during this journey.
“Will & Harper” streams Sept. 27 on Netflix.
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2024-09-11 00:46