Trace Lysette, actor, rapper, and former drag performer, discusses her lead role in the film Monica, her journey to find her gender identity with the help of drag performing, and her experiences as a trans actor in indie filmmaking. They also touch on the significance of the webcam scene in the movie, navigating press opportunities and awards in Hollywood, and being a trans woman in the hip-hop industry.
Monica is a film that explores the themes of family, acceptance, and self-discovery through the story of a trans woman caring for her sick mother.
Trace Lisette emphasizes the importance of authentic representation and storytelling, challenging the common focus on the transition narrative and advocating for genuine portrayals in the film industry.
Deep dives
Monica: A Quiet Film About Family Love
Monica is a film that tells the story of a trans woman named Monica who returns home to care for her sick, estranged mother. The movie explores the themes of family, acceptance, and self-discovery. With a quiet and intimate approach, the film portrays the complexities of their relationship and the challenges Monica faces as she navigates her own identity. Trace Lisette delivers a remarkable lead performance, capturing the nuances of Monica's character with authenticity and depth. The film stands out for its portrayal of a trans character beyond the conventional transition narrative, focusing on the enduring love between a mother and child.
Navigating the Challenges of Indie Filmmaking
Trace Lisette, who stars as Monica in the film, shares her experience working on her first feature film. While she felt confident in her abilities as an actor, she expressed initial concerns about the constraints and financial limitations of indie filmmaking. Despite these worries, she recognized the rarity of such an opportunity, especially for a trans actor. Lisette also discusses the unique aspects of her role, including the close-up shots that emphasized her facial expressions and the need to let go of vanity and personal insecurities to focus on portraying the truth and heart of the character.
The Power of Representation and Authentic Storytelling
Trace Lisette highlights the importance of authentic representation and storytelling, particularly for marginalized communities like the transgender community. She appreciates that the film breaks away from the common emphasis on the transition narrative and instead presents a story about a trans woman who has already transitioned and is dealing with other aspects of her life. Lisette believes that such narratives challenge superficial and sensational storytelling, emphasizing the need to focus on complex, lived experiences. She also discusses her involvement in script development, advocating for genuine portrayals and inclusivity in the film industry.
Trace Lysette is an actor, rapper and former drag performer. Last year, she had her first lead role in a film called Monica. It is a wonderful, quiet, haunting drama about a trans woman caring for her estranged mother who is terminally ill. We talk with Trace about her work in the film and about how her years as a drag performer helped her find her gender identity. Plus, we also take a listen to a few of her rap tracks.