My mind unfairly convinced me the film was to be in the vein of 'To Wong Foo' and 'Priscilla Queen of the Desert'. As a result, I was a bit disappointed.
Udo Kier is wonderfully cast as Pat Pitsenbarger - I mean, this is Udo Kier like you've never seen him before! Pat was once a successful hairdresser, and performer. Although the film shows us glimpses of his past, I wanted to see and know more about the former Pat. I somehow feel the film would have been more interesting had they chronicled his life, instead of mere back flashes.
The premise is a bit strange. One of Pat's once regular clients is deceased, and her will stipulated him to do her hair for the funeral, and will be richly rewarded. Due to a feud between them years ago, Pat is initially reluctant, but decides to do it anyway. He then travels mainly on foot to a town called Sandusky. Despite some funny moments here and there, I found the film a bit dreary at times. It was also much more dramatic than I had anticipated. Then again, as mentioned, I had a pre-conceived idea what the film was going to be about, and that was a bit unfair towards 'Swan Song'.
Nevertheless, 'Swan Song' was still entertaining. It also offers a nostalgic look at how quickly time passes us by. We should indeed live every day like there's no tomorrow, and not take everything for granted. We so egotistically believe in a tomorrow...
Udo Kier's great performance makes the movie well worth it. It was also good seeing Linda Evans back in front of the camera again after a long absence - and she's looking incredible still! 'Swan Song' deserves at least one viewing.
Udo Kier is wonderfully cast as Pat Pitsenbarger - I mean, this is Udo Kier like you've never seen him before! Pat was once a successful hairdresser, and performer. Although the film shows us glimpses of his past, I wanted to see and know more about the former Pat. I somehow feel the film would have been more interesting had they chronicled his life, instead of mere back flashes.
The premise is a bit strange. One of Pat's once regular clients is deceased, and her will stipulated him to do her hair for the funeral, and will be richly rewarded. Due to a feud between them years ago, Pat is initially reluctant, but decides to do it anyway. He then travels mainly on foot to a town called Sandusky. Despite some funny moments here and there, I found the film a bit dreary at times. It was also much more dramatic than I had anticipated. Then again, as mentioned, I had a pre-conceived idea what the film was going to be about, and that was a bit unfair towards 'Swan Song'.
Nevertheless, 'Swan Song' was still entertaining. It also offers a nostalgic look at how quickly time passes us by. We should indeed live every day like there's no tomorrow, and not take everything for granted. We so egotistically believe in a tomorrow...
Udo Kier's great performance makes the movie well worth it. It was also good seeing Linda Evans back in front of the camera again after a long absence - and she's looking incredible still! 'Swan Song' deserves at least one viewing.