Madame X: Film Review
11:47 PM PST 1/6/2012 by Maggie Lee
Crazy-camp super-transgender fantasy dresses to thrill.
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/madame-x-film-review-279317Featuring a transvestite superheroine who fights gender bigotry with deadly dance steps, the fantasy-parody is spiced with Indonesian folk culture.
HONG KONG – Imagine Austin Powers suddenly coming out of the closet, acquiring a flamboyant drag wardrobe and kicking the butts of homophobic (but suavely-suited) fascists. That only partially describes what kind of alternative escapist kitsch Madame X is.
Featuring a transvestite superheroine who fights gender bigotry and female exploitation with deadly dance steps, the fantasy-parody is influenced by The Adventures of Iron Pussy co-directed by Apichatpong Weerasethekul's and Michael Shaowanasai. On top of that, it is spiced up with Indonesian pop and folk culture, and a lot more crazy-bitchiness. For a debut feature, Lucky Kuswandi's direction is generally assured. He may have to rein in his showy technique and excessive visual style, but he keeps up the zesty, comic momentum amidst chaotic plot developments.
