The Danish Girl -makes you root more for Gerda than Einar

I read a few reviews and articles about the film, The Danish Girl, directed by Tom Hooper. It pointed to the Director not staying true to the original story. I don’t want to get into the details of the actual story of Einar Wegener (or Lile Elbe) and his wife, Gerda (played by Alicia Vikander). I wish to base my understanding or learning from the screenplay of ‘The Danish Girl’.

It was obvious that Eddie Redmayne’s character will have maximum screen time. And a chance to exhibit a wide range of acting skills. He has done a wonderful job. He might even win an Oscar for his portrayal. Alicia Vikander was a pleasant surprise though. She is likeable, and has portrayed an ambitious painter without seeming arrogant.

She has been effortless in emotions moving from happiness to sadness. Her poignant looks where her eyes does all the talking. Seldom does one get affected by a character as much as you do while feeling bad for Gerda. She is so much in love with her husband, and misses him, yet allows him to be what he wants to be. Your heart aches for her. Even when she develops feeling for another gentleman, you empathise with her. In spite of everything, she stands by her husband and supports him when needed.

One of the dialogues in the movie quite simply sums up that the story should have been about Gerda and her fight with herself than Einar’s sex-change operation. Einar says that her brush strokes give him strength. He becomes what she (Gerda) wants him to become.

You can draw inspiration or analogy from Gerda’s character in real life. Be strong headed. Support the people you love. Put them before yourself.

You take Alicia Vikander with you, when you leave the movie. And I won’t be surprised if a lot of boys become Alicia’s fans. I, for one, fell in love with her.