From the moment Tomboy was announced (since re-titled The Assignment) in the the US, it’s sparked controversy. While the initial announcement seemed to think it would be praise for bringing gender and trans issues into an action thriller, the synopsis made it sound like it would be ill-informed and exploitative, trading on old stereotypes.
It even earned a swift rebuke from GLAAD’s director of programs for transgender media, Nick Adams, who said, “We haven’t read the script, but it’s disappointing to see filmmakers turning what is a life-saving medical procedure for transgender people into a sensationalistic plot device. We are at a crucial moment in the public’s understanding of transgender issues, and stories like these have the potential to undermine the progress we’ve worked so hard to achieve.”
However, now the film is on its way and we’ll be able to see whether Michelle Rodriguez and Sigourney Weaver were naive to sign up to star, or whether it’s smarter than it initially seemed to be. Sadly, early reviews suggest it’s the former, while thinking it’s the latter.
In the film, ‘Frank Kitchen is an assassin at the top of his game. When he’s double-crossed by a group of ruthless gangsters he falls into the hands of a rogue surgeon, known only as The Doctor, who transforms him into a woman against his will. Aided by a nurse with her own set of secrets, Frank the hitman becomes Tomboy the hitwoman and revenge is the first thing on her mind…
‘Starring action cinema’s star du jour Michelle Rodriguez (Furious 7, Machete Kills) as Frank/Tomboy and featuring celluloid royalty in the form of Sigourney Weaver (Alien, Avatar) as The Doctor, TOMBOY is an action adventure you’ll never forget. Also starring Anthony LaPaglia (TV’s Without A Trace, The Eichmann Show) and Tony Shaloub (TV’s Monk, Spy Kids), TOMBOY is a searing return to form for Walter Hill, director of 1980s classics such as Red Heat and 48 Hours, and essential for action aficionados everywhere.’
Take a look at the trailer below. The film arrived on digital platforms in the UK on March 13th. [Read more…]
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