Whether You Like It or Not: The Story of Hedwig

Whether You Like It or Not: The Story of Hedwig is a documentary film that delves into the creation of the stage musical "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" and its subsequent film adaptation. The 2016 documentary provides an intimate look into the life of John Cameron Mitchell, the creator of the musical and its lead character Hedwig Robinson, a charismatic East German rock singer stuck in a body of a man and longing for love. The documentary begins with an introduction to John Cameron Mitchell, who started his career as an actor, initially working as a stage actor in various productions in New York City. Mitchell's early career consisted of various roles in avant-garde theater productions, which eventually paved the way for him to create his own character, Hedwig, in his 1998 off-Broadway musical "Hedwig and the Angry Inch." The documentary takes the audience through the story of how the musical, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, was created. The musical tells the story of Hedwig, a trans woman of color, who was forced into marriage with an American soldier after being castrated, which ultimately led to her becoming a part of the band. With Hedwig as the primary character, Mitchell wanted to create a musical that would showcase her unique story and journey. Through the musical, Mitchell aimed to bring attention to the trans community and raise awareness about the issues many of them face throughout their lives. Featuring interviews from key individuals involved in both the stage musical and the film adaptation, including Mitchell, the documentary highlights the development, growth, and evolution of the story. The film adaptation of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, starring Michael Pitt as Hedwig in 2001, brought Mitchell's vision to the big screen, gaining critical acclaim, including the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. The documentary goes in-depth to analyze why "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" resonated so well with the audience, not only as a rock musical but as a story of self-expression, love, and resilience. The documentary also explores the relationship between Mitchell, who also portrayed Hedwig in the stage musical, and Michael Pitt, who portrayed Hedwig in the film adaptation. The film reveals the process of finding an ideal Hedwig, through auditions and Mitchell's personal experiences with Hedwig. It also explores how Mitchell navigated his own creative vision and identity with the casting and production of the film. Whether You Like It or Not: The Story of Hedwig also highlights the film's impact on the broader LGBTQ+ community, particularly on younger generations of trans individuals seeking to express themselves authentically. The documentary reveals how Hedwig's story has inspired fans worldwide, providing them with messages of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. The documentary provides a comprehensive look into the journey of John Cameron Mitchell and the creation of Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Whether You Like It or Not: The Story of Hedwig offers an engaging exploration of the intersection of art and personal identity and the lasting impact of Mitchell's musical and its subsequent film adaptation on the broader LGBTQ+ community.