99% Woman 2000
Distributed by Filmakers Library Inc., 124 East 40th Street, New York, NY 10016; 212-808-4980
Produced at USC School of Cinema and Television
Director n/a
VHS, color, 24 min.
Adult
Gender Studies, Gay and Lesbian Studies
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Gerald Notaro, University Librarian, Nelson Poynter Memorial Library, University of South Florida, St. PetersburgThe recent success of Boys Don't Cry, albeit Hilary Swank's fine performance, demonstrates though prejudices exist, people are open to understanding the very confusing issues involving the transgendered. Questions such as gender identity vs. sexual identity or cross-dressing vs. transsexualism are ripe for tackling. Unfortunately, 99% Woman leaves them unadressed and unanswered.
Benjy Nelson is from a small town. Married twice, the former Air Force airman fathers five children. After a short time cross-dressing he decides, along with the support of his wife Bridget, to have a sex change operation. The film follows the transition with interviews, including now Debbie's brother, the only family member to remain in contact with her. There is little discussion of why Debbie remains with Bridget. Are they now both lesbians? Debbie's 6 foot four frame is filmed moving refrigerators, carrying couches, and drilling holes, always with a cigarette dangling from a lipsticked mouth. A perfect opportunity for enlightened issues is missed. Though Debbie and Bridget explain their present difficulties with their three teenage sons as their inability to accept their new "parent,' one wonders how much their lack of discipline is to blame. The viewer is told the boys have a disorder where they don't like to be told no. If true, it is extremely contagious. Most outrageous is the discussion of Benjy/Debbie's genital reassignment while Bridget is filmed carving the Thanksgiving Day turkey. A&E's Transgender Revolution (1998) is a much better choice on the topic. Not recommended for purchase.