Film Review: XXY

When I saw XXY on the shelf at the video place down the street, my political clit got a little buzz of delight: intersexuality doesn't get nearly enough coverage, and is still largely misunderstood even though it's estimated that as many in 1 in 500 babies has some kind of chromosomal variation that would deem them intersex.

I was sure that the title XXY (which refers to a genetic variation: a biological male (XY) with an extra X chromosome. This is also called Klinefelter syndrome) was an indicator that this would be a fabulously enlightening, political story finally made into film. And XXY was a total prize cow at a buncha film festivals.

But it was just another hermaphrodite movie with a macabre soundtrack! Boo, I say. Boo.

My biggest problem: this film didn't even attempt to elucidate the issue for the average person, who, from my experience, knows shit-all about intersexuality. And if you're going to make a political film, yes, I do think it's your responsibility to spell some things out. At least have some damn prologue titles!

Second, the film seems to be moved along by the idea that the main character has both an enormo schlong and a vag. I'm supposed to believe that despite years and years of feminizing hormone treatments, that Alex is packing enough to have butt sex with her house guest's son. Not likely. Most variations of intersexuality involve no actual visible signs and those that do, manifest in ambiguous genitalia NOT something out of Hentai.

Should it still get points for the schnazzy title or the fact that they kinda, sorta addressed this deeply political issue. NO. But I will throw them a bone for showing parents who did not allow their child to be operated on at birth and parents who advocated for their child.

For more on intersexuality: www.ISNA.org