Larry (they/them) Review – A Photographer’s Colorful Creative Journey into Everyday Life | film

FOr non-binary photographer Lawrence Philomene, art, life, and identity are intimately intertwined. Although drawn from art history, their photographs have a distinct pastel touch. Capturing whimsical subjects, including Philomene herself, in relaxed poses, these images bloom in soft hues of pink, purple and blue – the full rainbow. This style seems to seep into Catherine Legault’s intimate documentary, which vividly depicts not only the artist’s creative process, but also their daily lives.

Philomene’s home, just like their work, is full of colour. While they are preparing their first book, Coming of Age, which documents their transformation, their home is transformed into a photography studio. Philomene takes photographs of mundane rituals, from taking daily hormone shots to cuddling with her partner in bed. At a time when gender non-conforming expression is being monitored, censored, and even banned, these portraits of transgender lives are more extreme than ever. In contrast to conservative rhetoric that denigrates transgender people, Philomene chooses to focus on moments of joy, love and comfort.

At the same time, the documentary reveals household concerns like a growing to-do list and a trip to the vet. Given the danger of coming out publicly as a trans person, even these daily routines can become a political act.

In highlighting Philomene’s practice, Legault’s film also reveals the limits of traditional art and language. While Philomene’s Quebecois parents have accepted their identity, they still refer to them by feminine pronouns; French remains a very gendered language. As if to show that change is coming slowly, Legault’s film makes an effort to deviate from documentary conventions, including bursts of animation that serve as a playful disruption to the handheld cinematography. They may differ in terms of medium, but both film and Philomene’s work demonstrate an amazing ability to transform the mundane into the profound.