Films about drag explore the world of drag culture, delving into themes of identity, performance, societal norms, and the artistry behind drag queens and kings. These films often tackle issues of gender, sexuality, and self-expression, offering both documentary and fictional narratives that showcase the vibrant, diverse, and resilient drag community. They can range from heartwarming to provocative, providing insights into the personal lives of performers and the significance of drag as an art form and a mode of personal and political expression.
“The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert”, 1994
Director: Stephan Elliott
A beloved Australian comedy-drama that follows two drag queens and a transgender woman as they journey across the Australian Outback in a bus named Priscilla, performing their unique style of cabaret. The film is a celebration of friendship and self-discovery, boasting extravagant costumes and memorable performances.
Starring: Terence Stamp, Hugo Weaving, Guy Pearce, Bill Hunter, Sarah Chadwick, Mark Holmes, Julia Cortez, Kenneth Radley, Daniel Kellie, Leighton Picken;
Production year: 1994;
Genre: comedy, music;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 102 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” on the website imdb.com
“Drag Me to Hell”, 2009
Director: Sam Raimi
While not about drag culture, its title often places it on broader lists. It's actually a supernatural horror film directed by Sam Raimi, involving a loan officer who becomes cursed after refusing to extend a loan to an elderly woman.
Starring: Alison Lohman, Justin Long, Lorna Raver, Dileep Rao, David Paymer, Adriana Barraza, Chelcie Ross, Reggie Lee, Molly Cheek, Bojana Novakovic;
Production year: 2009;
Genre: horror, comedy, fantasy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 99 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,6;
More information about the film “Drag Me to Hell” on the website imdb.com
“Hurricane Bianca”, 2016
Director: Matt Kugelman
A comedy that stars Bianca Del Rio, winner of “RuPaul's Drag Race” Season 6, as a New York teacher who moves to a small Texas town, gets fired for being gay, and comes back disguised as the sharp-tongued Bianca. It's a film that deals with issues of homophobia and discrimination with a comedic touch.
Starring: Roy Haylock, Rachel Dratch, Bianca Leigh, Denton Blane Everett, D.J. «Shangela» Pierce, Molly Ryman, Lola Botha, Grayson Thorne Kilpatrick, Willam Belli, Markus Kelle;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: comedy;
Duration: 84 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,8;
More information about the film “Hurricane Bianca” on the website imdb.com
“The Queen”, 2005
Director: Stephen Frears
One of the earliest documentaries about drag culture, this film focuses on the 1967 Miss All-America Camp Beauty Pageant. It offers a candid insight into the lives of drag queens in the 1960s, their dreams, performances, and the camaraderie and rivalry backstage.
Starring: Helen Mirren, James Cromwell, Michael Sheen, Alex Jennings, Sylvia Syms, Helen McCrory, Roger Allam, Tim McMullan, Robin Soans, Lola Peploe;
Production year: 2005;
Genre: drama, biography;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 103 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “The Queen” on the website imdb.com
“Kinky Boots”, 2005
Director: Julian Jarrold
This British comedy-drama is based on a true story and follows the owner of a struggling shoe factory who, in a bid to save his business, starts producing shoes for drag queens. It's a feel-good story about acceptance, innovation, and friendship.
Starring: Joel Edgerton, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Sarah-Jane Potts, Jemima Rooper, Nick Frost, Linda Bassett, Robert Pugh, Ewan Hooper, Stephen Marcus, Mona Hammond;
Production year: 2005;
Genre: drama, comedy, music;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 107 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Kinky Boots” on the website imdb.com
These films represent just a small selection of the rich and diverse portrayals of drag culture in cinema, ranging from documentaries to comedies and dramas. They have played a significant role in bringing visibility to the drag community, each offering a unique perspective on the art and lives of those within it.
In conclusion, films about drag offer a vibrant, colorful tapestry that explores the complexities of identity, belonging, and self-expression. These films not only entertain but also challenge societal norms, pushing the boundaries of conventional gender roles while celebrating the artistry and resilience of the drag community. From the early, more subversive works to contemporary mainstream successes, the genre has evolved, reflecting a growing acceptance and understanding of LGBTQ+ experiences. Yet, at their core, these films remain deeply personal stories of transformation and triumph, serving as powerful vehicles for visibility and change. Through humor, heartache, and glitter, they invite viewers into a world where the act of drag becomes a profound statement of authenticity and empowerment, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of cinema and culture at large.
