10 Straight-Directed Films that Got Us Wrong

From:  OUT

5. 

The Crying Game



1992

Dir. 
Neil Jordan



Once again, moviegoers were disappointed by the representation of transfolk in The Crying Game. The film, which is set during the Irish Troubles, focuses on protagonist Fergus (a member of the IRA) who falls for Dil (who is exotic, beautiful, and desperate for a man’s affection). When Dil reveals her naked body (and transgender secret) to Fergus, he runs to the bathroom to vomit, accidentally hitting her in the face on the way. The audience is asked to forgive and forget immediately—and even see him as heroic for getting over it, as if a trans body is something that needs to be gotten over, excused or looked passed in the face of love.