Focus Features has released the first trailer for Oscar-winning The King's Speech director Tom Hooper's upcoming drama The Danish Girl. Based on a true story, the film stars Eddie Redmayne and Ex Machina standout Alicia Vikander as artists Lili Gebe and Gerda Wegener, whose marriage and relationship evolves as they navigate Lili's journey as a transgender pioneer.
On paper, this thing is the most "Oscar-y" movie one could possibly imagine. It's got an Oscar-friendly director, Oscar-friendly performances, and very timely (read: Oscar-friendly) subject matter. But try as you might to wave this off as a stuffy period drama, there's no denying that this trailer is indeed quite moving. I expected a stellar performance from Redmanye, but the sensitivity and vulnerability with which he appears to be playing Lili is something else, and Vikander looks to be every bit as integral to the film's success as Redmayne. I'm less enthusiastic about Hooper on the whole, but the fact remains that this is a pretty swell trailer that has me mighty excited to see the full film at TIFF next week.
Watch the trailer below, via Focus Features. Scripted by Lucinda Coxon film also stars Ben Whishaw, Sebastian Koch, Amber Heard, and Matthias Schoenaerts and has its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival this week. The Danish Girl opens in limited release on November 27th before expanding to more theaters throughout December.
Here's the official synopsis for The Danish Girl:
The remarkable love story inspired by the lives of artists Lili Elbe and Gerda Wegener (portrayed by Academy Award winner Eddie Redmayne ["The Theory of Everything"] and Alicia Vikander ["Ex Machina"]), directed by Academy Award winner Tom Hooper ("The King's Speech," "Les Misérables"). Lili and Gerda's marriage and work evolve as they navigate Lili's groundbreaking journey as a transgender pioneer.
