Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Like the equally ambitious but slightly less outrageous "Moulin Rouge," the rock 'n' roll musical "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" probably won't be the salvation of the movie musical.

For one thing, much of its subject matter is too adult for mass consumption (let's just say the film earns its R rating and leave it at that). In fact, that alone might relegate the film to cult status, joining the likes of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show."

However, it should be noted that "Hedwig" is a far better film than that — after all, it doesn't require audience participation to make it watchable. And it's hard to not get caught up in the sense of exuberance and or to ignore the amount of energy and creativity that went into it.

The film's rather peculiar title refers to a German immigrant (John Cameron Mitchell, who also directs), who has become somewhat bitter and confused after a botched sex-change operation.

So, after an unsuccessful marriage to an American G.I., Hedwig reinvents himself as a rock singer and sets off on an even more unsuccessful tour of the United States.

The reason for the tour eventually becomes apparent to his bandmates — Hedwig is actually stalking a former prot�g� and lover, Tommy Gnosis (Michael Pitt), who has now become a huge star.

Meanwhile, the band's co-vocalist, Yitzhak (actress Miriam Shor, playing a male character — are you confused yet?), is having troubles with Hedwig's abusive antics, both on and offstage.

Adapting his acclaimed off-Broadway hit, Mitchell augments the big-screen version with gimmicky filmmaking techniques — some of which work (such as the beautifully animated pieces by award-winning artist Emily Hubley) and others that don't.

And the musical's surprisingly catchy songs are given powerful run-throughs, thanks to a supporting band that includes such well-regarded rock musicians as guitarist Bob Mould (ex-Husker Du, Sugar).

Still, it's Mitchell's show to make or break, and his confident performance is just compelling enough to steer this shaky ship over a few rough spots. (The supporting cast, which features comedienne Andrea Martin, is also good, despite limited screen time.)

"Hedwig and the Angry Inch" is rated R for suggestive sexual references and song lyrics, occasional use of strong profanity, simulated gay sex acts, violence (a bar brawl), male nudity and scattered use of racial epithets (heard in some song lyrics). Running time: 91 minutes.

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