Trixie Mattel: Moving Parts

Contrary to popular belief, the world of Drag and, especially, the stars born from the sensational show "RuPaul's Drag Race" are not constant glamour, sequin-filled parades of joy and adulation. This concept is explored in the deeply engaged and sincere 2019 documentary film, Trixie Mattel: Moving Parts, featuring celebrated drag queen Trixie Mattel.

The film begins with a bang, capturing our attention from the beginning as it reveals unseen corners of the life of Trixie Mattel, born Brian Firkus. Trixie Mattel, a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is widely popular for her unique style, her ethereal Lynne Anderson vocal transports, and her harsh sprinkle of self-deprecating humor. Audiences will remember the striking Trixie Mattel from the seventh season of "RuPaul's Drag Race" and as a contestant in the third season of "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars", where she was crowned the winner.

Direction by Nicholas Zeig-Owens presents the audience with a highly polished, intimate portrait of the multifaceted persona of Trixie Mattel. And what a fascinant nobody she is. While the artist's Drag Race fallout and consequent redemption in an All-Stars coup are well-documented events, this insightful documentary paints a bigger picture of Brian Firkus's life and work.

This film provides the audience with a raw and unflinching look at the man behind the façade. Eclipsing the glitzy, glitter-strewn spectacle of Drag are the personal struggles, the creative process of Mattel, and her complicated relationship with her contemporaries. Particularly worth noting is Trixie's relationship with fellow queen and very close friend, Katya Zamolodchikova (Brian McCook), which is portrayed in all its heartwrenching complexity and poignant sincerity.

Throughout the film, Trixie Mattel candidly engages with her artistry while juggling the pressures of fame, her touring one-woman music show, and the production of "The Trixie and Katya Show". Allowing such moments to unfold in the film deepens the profound experience of acknowledging a public figure’s humanity. The film also features Benjamin Putnam (Bendelacreme) and Caldwell Tidicue (Bob the Drag Queen), both of whom emerged from the same pop culture phenomenon and offer their own perspectives, insights, and contributions.

The bond between Trixie and Katya, former contestants, collaborators, and fantastic friends is a significant narrative thread in Moving Parts. It's a relationship that’s rich with shared humor, collaborative chemistry and emotional complexity, which adds soulful depth to the narrative.

However, Moving Parts is not only doom and gloom. In parallel with the intense emotional journey, the film also offers many delightful moments of humor and levity that reflect the sparkling spirit of Trixie Mattel. Firkus's charming and charismatic nature is always present, managing to pull a laugh during even the most intense and heart-wrenching moments.

Moreover, the film does not shy away from addressing the mental health concerns many artists grapple with, particularly within the Drag community. It is as much about the drag scene as it is about the battles that artists face in maintaining their mental well-being amid all the pressure and expectation.

In this modern golden age of Drag, Trixie Mattel: Moving Parts is an essential portrait of modern fame, offering an intimate peek into the world of drag beyond the spotlight. It allows for the appreciation of the art form much more than the performance that we are generally allowed to witness. The documentary extends a hand to anyone who has ever struggled to balance their public image with their inner reality, presenting a reflection that is as human as it is glamorous.

Finally, the film excels at capturing the beauty and ruthlessness of the entertainment industry, the power of friendship, and the courage it takes to remain true to oneself no matter what challenges one may face. Trixie Mattel: Moving Parts is every bit as captivating, funny, poignant, and thought-provoking as Trixie herself, offering audiences a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the life of a modern drag icon.