Thanks for this even-tempered discussion of Emilia Pérez. While there are many valid criticisms of this film, I can't help but love it for being one of the best f*cked-up films I've seen in years. Nuts. Surprising at every turn. Yes, offensive, politically incorrect. Daring. Insulting. Dumbfounding. And screwing with form.

I hated the politically correct dismission of it on NPR, for example.

Of course we queers have been 'out and proud' long enough to have flawed, even evil queer characters represent us. I remember when the first The Talented Mr. Ripley (film) came out, some friends and critics were upset that it reinforced negative queer stereotypes. Very different from the reception of the more recent black & white Ripley tv series.

But then, I'm not trans. I'd surely have a different reaction and feel especially susceptible and vulnerable to my representation, especially at this political moment, if I were. (As I write this, I'm concerned for my trans-fem 'nibling.')

The worst might be what has come out about the actress playing Emilia—Karla Sofía Gascón. Still, I don't believe in cancelling her work, or the film, because of her personal flaws, mistakes, or even racism. We'd have to cancel half the art in all the museums in the world. Even assholes can be artists, even great artists. Caravaggio was a murderer.

Finally, I am simply grateful for this conversation about art, for which there are no rules.