The Person De Leo N.

In Italy, a law has been in force since 1982 enabling people who want to change their gender to seek financial assistance from the state. Anyone who decides to undergo a sex change must go through a series of examinations and psychological tests and then wait for a period of two years, in order to ensure that the commitment to the operation is serious. For some applicants, this procedure is so lengthy that they seek the help of private doctors or foreign clinics – an expensive and illegal solution. Nicol chose the first option. Director Alberto Vendemmiati follows the complicated journey leading up to his sex change, carefully monitoring his feelings as he comes to terms with himself and the people around him. Before he can be truly happy, Nicol must also make peace with his mother. Only then will his transformation be complete... Every moment of this film reflects the director's sensitive and gentle approach to the changing fortunes of the transsexual, using atmospheric slow–motion sequences, stylized close–ups of his face, repeated use of unusual camera angles and sound effects that make words sound as if a poem is being recited. Artistically embellished sequences mirror the world of Nicol, an actor who becomes a different person every night when he puts on a different costume. Nicol is the one role he has had to play all his life against his will. Finally, the moment arrives when he can stop masquerading and become a real person, a complex individual rid of psychological trauma and pain – a person who can be loved for who she really is, without being admired merely for wearing a glittering dress...