HBO's Normal Review

HBO's Original Movie, Normal starring Jessica Lange and Tom Wilkinson is both heartbreaking and heartwarming.

Jessica Lange's performance is Emmy worthy as she masters the role of Irma, a Midwestern housewife whom is struggling with the changing sexual identity of her husband of 25 years.  Tom Wilkinson, whom also starred in, In the Bedroom, portrays the transsexual, Roy with determination and heart.

Make no mistake, while this is a movie about a man coming to grips with a his internal struggle that he had anguished years over, this is a love story.  Complete with it's ups and downs.  As the movie deals with Roys anguish, his determination to be whom he was meant to be regardless of the outcome, it also deals with bigotry not only within society but within his own family. 

I found the movie to be very touching.  You find yourself endeared to this warm loving character, whom only wants to be happy and stay alive.  While making such a huge change in his identity, he never waivers from the love he has for his wife and family. Meanwhile, Irma is trying to sort out her own disgust and how her sexuality is affected by Roy's immanent change.  There are times when she is so hard and frustrated, that you can feel her pain.

The scenes with Roys elderly abusive father are sure to pull at your heartstrings and at very least give you a lump in your throat.

This was a great movie.