Alicia Vikander Reflects on The Danish Girl at 10: “Feels Extremely Dated but Opened Important Trans Discussions”

As the biographical drama The Danish Girl marks its tenth anniversary this fall, Alicia Vikander, who won an Oscar for her supporting role in the film, has expressed that it now feels “extremely dated.” The movie, directed by Tom Hooper and focusing on the lives of Danish painters Lili Elbe and Gerda Wegener, stars Eddie Redmayne as Lili, one of the first transgender individuals to undergo gender reassignment surgery, a role that triggered ongoing debate about representation in film.

Reflections on the Film’s Impact and Evolution of Trans Representation

Vikander acknowledged the film’s limitations while recognizing its important contribution to visibility around transgender topics. In an interview with British Vogue, she said,

“I’m the first one to say it already feels extremely dated, which I think is a good thing,”

emphasizing that the film served as a starting point for widespread conversations. She continued,

“At that time, it was a pivot in something that it made [the subject of transgender lives] at least discussed. I hope that in a way it was a bit of an eye-opener and opened the way for art to cover those themes.”

Despite critical praise and awards, the casting of cisgender actor Eddie Redmayne as Lili Elbe has faced significant backlash for lacking authentic transgender representation. Redmayne himself has since expressed regret about accepting the role and publicly reconsidered its implications.

Eddie Redmayne’s Response to Controversy over Casting

Several years after the film’s release, Redmayne spoke candidly about his decision in an interview with The Sunday Times. He stated,

“No, I wouldn’t take it on now. I made that film with the best intentions, but I think it was a mistake…The bigger discussion about the frustrations around casting is because many people don’t have a chair at the table. There must be a leveling, otherwise we are going to carry on having these debates.”

This acknowledgment highlights the broader push for inclusivity and representation within the industry.

Alicia Vikander on Learning from the Film’s Casting Controversies

Vikander also addressed the criticism surrounding casting choices in an interview with Insider, describing it as a “learning experience.” While commending Redmayne’s “wonderful” performance, she said,

“I totally understand the criticism that has been out there, because we need to make change and we need to make sure that trans men and women actually get a foot in and get work,”

and added the important perspective,

“My only concern is that we may need to get to a point in the end where we have trans women and men playing cis characters. Because that is the main thing, you know?”

Her comments indicate a desire for a more inclusive entertainment industry where transgender actors have expanded opportunities beyond traditionally trans roles.

Industry Perspectives on Trans Roles and Representation

When The Danish Girl premiered in 2015, Redmayne had anticipated and attempted to address some of the concerns surrounding trans representation. In a statement to IndieWire, he noted that

“many trans people worked on the film,”

and expressed hope for the future of casting, saying,

“I hope there’s a day when there are more trans actors and trans actresses playing trans parts, but also cisgender parts. And I hope — as an actor one hopes — that one should be able to play any sort of part if one plays it with a sense of integrity and responsibility.”

This perspective captures the complexities actors face, balancing authenticity and artistic freedom.

As conversations about representation evolve, works like The Danish Girl remain both influential and controversial, reflecting broader societal shifts. Alicia Vikander’s Danish Girl reflection underscores the film’s role in opening dialogue, while also acknowledging its dated aspects and the necessity for ongoing progress.