Hedwig and the Angry Inch is a 2001 American
musical comedy-drama film based on the
stage musical of the same name about a fictional
rock band fronted by an
East German genderqueer singer who survives a botched vaginoplasty performed to allow her to marry an American man and escape East Germany, only to get dumped a few months later. Hedwig subsequently develops a relationship with a younger man, Tommy, becoming his mentor and musical collaborator, only to have Tommy steal her music and move on without her. The film follows Hedwig and her backing band, the Angry Inch, as they shadow Tommy's tour, while exploring Hedwig's past and complex gender identity. It was
adapted and directed by
John Cameron Mitchell, who also portrayed the title role. The music and lyrics are by
Stephen Trask.