Glen or Glenda IN COLOR!

Glen or Glenda IN COLOR! is a pioneering work of indie cinema from 1953. Directed by the enigmatic Edward D. Wood Jr., who also plays the lead role, and featuring supporting performances from Bela Lugosi and Lyle Talbot, the film delves into the largely unexplored (at the time) topic of gender identity and cross-dressing against the backdrop of mid-twentieth-century American society. Reissued in a vibrant color palette, this version of the film enhances the visual storytelling, letting Wood's earnest eccentricity come to life more vividly.

Known for his fondness for unconventional themes and narrative devices, Edward D. Wood Jr. develops a personal, almost intimate engagement with the subject matter in Glen or Glenda IN COLOR!. He plays the title character, Glen, a man tormented by his deep-seated urge to dress in women's clothing. The intensity of his performance is underscored by the vivid hues used to bring the black-and-white original into the color era, adding depth and complexity to the images on screen.

The legendary Bela Lugosi lends his iconic presence to the film, playing an enigmatic puppet master or conscience figure, guiding the audience through the film's layered narrative. Lugosi's scenes appear in stark, symbolic colors, giving a truer sense to his role as the omnipresent narrator who comments on the ongoing action from a distance. The colorization highlights Lugosi's theatricality and charismatic screen presence, making his character's ethereal essence more palpable.

Lyle Talbot essays the role of a psychiatrist helping Glen navigate his internal conflict. His scenes are presented in a combination of vibrant and muted colors, reflecting both his professional detachment and empathetic understanding of Glen's plight. The color grading helps in subtly differentiating the clinical environment of the psychiatrist's office from Glen's more emotionally wrought private world.

The depiction of Glen's struggle depicting his duality in the vibrant color version is a bold and artistic masterstroke. The mise-en-scene boasts a more intense charge that elicits emotional responses from the viewers. The costumes, particularly Glen's feminine attire, look more dramatic and symbolically rich in color, enhancing the film's thematic underpinnings concerned with societal norms and personal identity.

What makes Glen or Glenda IN COLOR! even more fascinating is its experimental approach to cinematic language. It combines elements of drama, documentary, surrealism, and fantasy to weave a narrative that oscillates between reality and imagination. These stylistic flourishes gain magnified resonance in the color version, with the uncanny dream-like sequences looking particularly spectacular.

Although Glen or Glenda IN COLOR! grapples with subject matter that might have been controversial in its time, it does so with a sense of respect and sensitivity that is worth applauding. This nuanced approach becomes more evident in the color version where Wood's directorial vision comes through more clearly, especially his commitment to infuse humanity in all of his characters, irrespective of their perceived eccentricities.

Glen or Glenda IN COLOR! entertains, surprises, and provokes thought. Its upgrade from black-and-white to color not only revitalizes the film visually but also offers a fresh perspective on its themes and characters. This film is a must-watch for those interested in exploring the unorthodox side of American independent cinema, replete with all its idiosyncrasies and stylistic boldness.

Notwithstanding its financial limitations and production constraints, this colorized version successfully captures the essence of its radical vision. Viewers should be prepared to immerse themselves in a world of vibrant colors, which, along with the film's daring narrative, unconventional themes, and memorable performances, make Glen or Glenda IN COLOR! a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience.

With its complexity, daring subject matter, and inimitable aesthetic, Glen or Glenda IN COLOR! is more than a film; it is a declaration of individuality, a defiant stand against societal norms, and a testament to the power of independent filmmaking. Above all, the colorized process reveals Edward D. Wood Jr.'s classic in a brand-new light, making it a compelling watch for both seasoned lovers of cinema and tomorrow's filmmakers.