Lana Wachowski and "Speed Racer" :: Hollywood Elsewhere

Lana Wachowski and "Speed Racer"

email this story
read comments (49)
post a comment

Henceforth it's just "the Wachowskis" -- no more "brothers" -- because the former Larry Wachowski is definitely, fully and biologically "Lana" these days. That took a while, no? His/her intention to do a "gender reassignment" was announced four years ago, but it actually took more like three years. According to this 7.21.06 report on a site called Rated-M.com, Larry's intention to opt for womanhood in the summer of '03 (the news broke just before the debut of The Matrix Reloaded) was substantially complete as of last summer.

Lana and Andy Wachowski

A more recent report that ran on 8.28.07 said Lana "will actually speak to the press" -- possibly an exclusive chat with Dateline NBC -- about the sex-change thing down the road, but not until Speed Racer (Warner Bros., 5.8.08) has opened. No junket appearances for Lana, the report says, because "the current feeling is that his sex change could hurt the family image that Speed Racer film is going for."

I can understand the motive in Warner Bros. wanting to play Lana down for the sake of Speed Racer box-office, if a junket duck-out has in fact been planned. (It's many months off so I doubt it.) But shouldn't we all be trying to relax about this and accept things as they are and not pretend there's something askew?

Hiding from the press doesn't feel like an enlightened move on Lana's part. She's obviously a talented director and something of a visionary (although the Wachowskis' work on the re-shoots of The Invasion have called this notion into question), and in a perfect world she would sit down, look people in the eye and talk about the work.

Kidman on Vanity Fair cover<< previous | next >>No, no, no....you're wrong

Posted by Jeffrey Wells on September 4, 2007 at 12:35 PM

comment #1

Ian Sinclair says ...

I have wondered, from time to time, if having an operation like this would improve relationships between Jeff and David Poland. But who should have the op? It's a tough call, for David already has the voice required while Jeff, of course, has the hair.

Posted by Ian Sinclair at September 4, 2007 1:42 PM

comment #2

Aguirre says ...

you know, jeff, after all the posts that have lead to accusations of both racism and hatred of the obese rather than of obesity (accusations i've never felt the need to involve myself in), it's beyond refreshing to see a genuinely accepting and humanitarian post on this or any largely apolitical site. given the (predominantly intellectual) intolerance bandied about on these boards as of late... it's just nice. carry on.

Posted by Aguirre at September 4, 2007 1:46 PM

comment #3

Geoff says ...

Yeah, it's fucking weird and kind of freaky. Not like he's the first, to each his own, do what you will with your own body, not that there's anything wrong with it (I think, I'm no psychologist or doctor)....but, ugh.

Insightful post, I know.

Posted by Geoff at September 4, 2007 1:51 PM

comment #4

SaraMichelle says ...

I don't normally respond, tending to just read, digest and then move on my way back to trying to get my own work done but, that said, I really find a need to say something here.

Jeff, this has got to be one of the best responses to a personal situation I think I've ever seen from you. Your response is quite insightful and I, for one, am very touched.

That said, being trans myself (something I seldom talk about in public and never talk about in my reviews or columns) I completely understand and relate to Lana's decisions to stay in the background a little bit. I tend to think my own transition and the events surrounding it are my own business and not anyone elses. I like to have my work speek for itself, and whether you think it is good, bad or somewhere in-between I don't want my own personal issues to cloud a person's judgements on that front. Who I am and what I've decided to do with my life are things I need to deal with, not anyone else, and if I choose not to relate or talk about those things very much I'd appreciate it if those around me would honor and respect my decision.

But, anyhow, back to your post, I really appreciate your post on this. Thank you.

Posted by SaraMichelle at September 4, 2007 2:23 PM

comment #5

SaraMichelle says ...

I don't normally respond, tending to just read, digest and then move on my way back to trying to get my own work done but, that said, I really find a need to say something here.

Jeff, this has got to be one of the best responses to a personal situation I think I've ever seen from you. Your response is quite insightful and I, for one, am very touched.

That said, being trans myself (something I seldom talk about in public and never talk about in my reviews or columns) I completely understand and relate to Lana's decisions to stay in the background a little bit. I tend to think my own transition and the events surrounding it are my own business and not anyone elses. I like to have my work speak for itself, and whether you think it is good, bad or somewhere in-between I don't want my own personal issues to cloud a person's judgements on that front. Who I am and what I've decided to do with my life are things I need to deal with, not anyone else, and if I choose not to relate or talk about those things very much I'd appreciate it if those around me would honor and respect my decision.

But, anyhow, back to your post, I really appreciate your post on this. Thank you.

Posted by SaraMichelle at September 4, 2007 2:24 PM

comment #6

SaraMichelle says ...

Dang. I finally respond and I accidentally do it double. Sorry about that.

Posted by SaraMichelle at September 4, 2007 2:25 PM

comment #7

NYCBusybody says ...

*full body shudder*

Posted by NYCBusybody at September 4, 2007 2:26 PM

comment #8

CitizenKanedforChewingGum says ...

I think I picked her up one late drunk night on Sunset. The constant orgasms of "oh Neo!" probably should have tipped me off...

I have to ask, is she attracted to men or women? Cuz in the picture she looks like the butch type that would go for girly girls. I guess what I'm trying to ask is, does "Lana" queue up her own personal favorite "Bound" scene when looking for late-night stimulation?

Okay, I've obviously thought way too much into this already.

Posted by CitizenKanedforChewingGum at September 4, 2007 2:27 PM

comment #9

T. Holly says ...

Ah look, they have his and her eyewear. I like the transition from Nicole to Larry turner Lana.

Posted by T. Holly at September 4, 2007 2:28 PM

comment #10

corey3rd says ...

But it's not like these two like to do press anyway. They prefer others to talk of their genius than have to provide a quote. Not a shock that they won't be part of the press push on Speed Racer.

Posted by corey3rd at September 4, 2007 2:30 PM

comment #11

gruver1 says ...

Wels to SaraMichelle: I hear you. Be well.

Posted by gruver1 at September 4, 2007 2:31 PM

comment #12

NYCBusybody says ...

The look on Andy's face perfectly encapsulates the feeling in my heart when reading/seeing this post.

Posted by NYCBusybody at September 4, 2007 2:33 PM

comment #13

Monument says ...

NYCBusybody, are you just trying to start some shit here or what?

Posted by Monument at September 4, 2007 2:36 PM

comment #14

MPNeeb says ...

Whatever. Where's the next issue of Doc Frankenstein?

Posted by MPNeeb at September 4, 2007 2:36 PM

comment #15

lazarus says ...

Wow, you read the comments here, and wonder if we as a group are any more mature than the talkbackers on AICN.

You don't have to still be living in a basement to be naive, intolerant, insensitive, etc.

NYC, my god you're a pathetic individual. Maybe spend less time online, and more out in public where you can get used to the world around you. Lana/Larry was able to have an operation to correct what she felt was wrong with her; god knows what the fuck will be able to fix what's wrong with you.

Posted by lazarus at September 4, 2007 2:46 PM

comment #16

Rich S. says ...

I, myself, have no opinion one way or the other. To each his/her own. If Larry is happier as Lana, good for her.

One cannot wonder, however, what Brett Ratner would have to say about all this.

Posted by Rich S. at September 4, 2007 2:47 PM

comment #17

D.Z. says ...

>No junket appearances for Lana, the report says, >because "the current feeling is that his sex change >could hurt the family image that Speed Racer film >is going for."

That's ironic, considering they're trying to appeal to anime fans, too, because there are a lot of shows which revolve around gender-bending.

Posted by D.Z. at September 4, 2007 2:48 PM

comment #18

le corbeau says ...

Just imagine the fun debates we'll have if Lana ever wins the Best Director Oscar. First woman to win or not?

Posted by le corbeau at September 4, 2007 2:56 PM

comment #19

Mike Schaefer says ...

"That's ironic, considering they're trying to appeal to anime fans, too..."

"Speed Racer" is to anime as "Chopsticks" is to Beethoven.

Posted by Mike Schaefer at September 4, 2007 2:56 PM

comment #20

christian says ...

sisters are doing it for themselves...

Posted by christian at September 4, 2007 2:58 PM

comment #21

D.Z. says ...

>"Speed Racer" is to anime as "Chopsticks" is to >Beethoven.

That's how I feel about that sequence in Kill Bill...

Posted by D.Z. at September 4, 2007 3:02 PM

comment #22

Craig Kennedy says ...

Lana doesn't have to explain anything to anyone if she doesn't want to. I can only imagine the infantile questions she'll be asked. Who would willingly want to deal with that?

Posted by Craig Kennedy at September 4, 2007 3:39 PM

comment #23

jeffmcm says ...

Will DZ win some kind of door prize when he makes his one millionth 'I hate Tarantino' non sequitur? Like balloons and crap?

Posted by jeffmcm at September 4, 2007 4:11 PM

comment #24

Craig Kennedy says ...

Balloons and perhaps a beating.

Posted by Craig Kennedy at September 4, 2007 4:19 PM

comment #25

D.Z. says ...

cj: "Lana doesn't have to explain anything to anyone if she doesn't want to. I can only imagine the infantile questions she'll be asked."

I might as well begin, then. Is this the reason a tomboy like Ricci was chosen for the part of Trixie?

Posted by D.Z. at September 4, 2007 4:31 PM

comment #26

Ray says ...

I am curious to see how this whole thing plays out in the media for the release of the family-oriented Speed Racer film next spring. It should give the Bible Belt something to really fret over.

http://therecshow.com/2007/09/04/the-wachowski-siblings/

Posted by Ray at September 4, 2007 4:37 PM

comment #27

Zac Bertschy says ...

This is pretty obvious, isn't it? They want the junket to be about the movie, not about Lana's operation.

NYCBusyBody I knew you were a conservative but not the bigoted kind. I guess there's question as to whether you can be one of those things without the other, though.

Posted by Zac Bertschy at September 4, 2007 5:31 PM

comment #28

Craig Kennedy says ...

After all this time DZ, thank you for providing me the final piece of the puzzle revealing once and for all what you have against Angelina Jolie (besides the fact she's hot and you'll never have her): She just wasn't quite right for the role of your masturbatory fantasy dreamgirl/videogame character Lara Croft and you'll never forgive her for taking the part.

It's all so clear to me now and it was right in front of me the whole time.

God help whoever gets the role of Nova in the Star Blazers movie.

Posted by Craig Kennedy at September 4, 2007 5:42 PM

comment #29

le corbeau says ...

At least the pretty Wachowski became a girl.

Posted by le corbeau at September 4, 2007 5:53 PM

comment #30

jeffmcm says ...

Okay, I can't hold out any more:
What happens to somebody if they have an M-F gender reassignment if they had been suffering from male pattern baldness?

Posted by jeffmcm at September 4, 2007 6:08 PM

comment #31

Ian Sinclair says ...

That question is complicated by the degree of forehead surgery required - presumably Lana's headscarf conceals the scar tissue - but the estrogen used in hormone therapy would certainly stimulate follicles that are not already dead.

Posted by Ian Sinclair at September 4, 2007 6:29 PM

comment #32

Crow T Robot says ...

Thanks Wachowskis... thanks for ruining my "look at how great perfectly straight men write lesbian characters" argument.

Some people...

Posted by Crow T Robot at September 4, 2007 6:35 PM

comment #33

D.Z. says ...

cj: "After all this time DZ, thank you for providing me the final piece of the puzzle revealing once and for all what you have against Angelina Jolie (besides the fact she's hot and you'll never have her): She just wasn't quite right for the role of your masturbatory fantasy dreamgirl/videogame character Lara Croft and you'll never forgive her for taking the part."

Those Playboy models looked more like Lara than Jolie. Hell, Milla's a hotter Eurotrash action heroine than Angelina, and she's got smaller tits!

Crow: "Thanks Wachowskis... thanks for ruining my "look at how great perfectly straight men write lesbian characters" argument."

Kevin Smith still managed to do a good job w/ Chasing Amy-although his relationship with Mewes makes you wonder if he's totally straight...

Posted by D.Z. at September 4, 2007 6:55 PM

comment #34

le corbeau says ...

Hell, Milla's a hotter Eurotrash action heroine than Angelina

I have to admit I turn on Ultraviolet for a random five minutes every time I see it's on cable. It's idiotically overdone (and yet kind of cheap at the same time), has an IQ of about 4, and yet-- there's something irresistible about her barracuda looks and the dumb action one liners together.

Posted by le corbeau at September 4, 2007 7:00 PM

comment #35

Doug Pratt says ...

Actually, Speed Racer is to anime what Vivaldi is to Beethoven

Posted by Doug Pratt at September 4, 2007 7:46 PM

comment #36

D.Z. says ...

I was just thinking: Are they gonna change the credits on their previous movies? Or will it stay as "Larry", so that "his" ex-wife will collect on the alimony?

Posted by D.Z. at September 4, 2007 9:00 PM

comment #37

bagelfilm says ...

To be an ugly woman in this world is terrible.

Posted by bagelfilm at September 4, 2007 11:04 PM

comment #38

carla kolchak says ...

'Wow, you read the comments here, and wonder if we as a group are any more mature than the talkbackers on AICN.

You don't have to still be living in a basement to be naive, intolerant, insensitive, etc.

Posted by: lazarus at September 4, 2007 02:46 PM'

^ Took the words right outta my mouth, lazarus.

Posted by carla kolchak at September 5, 2007 6:01 AM

comment #39

T. S. Idiot says ...

Bound remains far and away my favorite Wachowski.
I just wish she'd changed her name to Corky.

Posted by T. S. Idiot at September 5, 2007 10:38 AM

comment #40

Z.D. says ...

"That's ironic, considering they're trying to appeal to anime fans, too, because there are a lot of shows which revolve around gender-bending."

And transsexual tentacle hentai porn, one of your favorites I hear.

"After all this time DZ, thank you for providing me the final piece of the puzzle revealing once and for all what you have against Angelina Jolie (besides the fact she's hot and you'll never have her): She just wasn't quite right for the role of your masturbatory fantasy dreamgirl/videogame character Lara Croft and you'll never forgive her for taking the part."

D.Z. prefers masturbating to cartoon characters (who look about 13-years-old) that have giant eyes and garishly colored hair, neither of which applies to Jolie.

Posted by Z.D. at September 5, 2007 11:26 AM

comment #41

frankbooth says ...

"Will DZ win some kind of door prize when he makes his one millionth 'I hate Tarantino' non sequitur?"

Yes, and I hope you've been keeping count. You did know that it's your job...?

Posted by frankbooth at September 5, 2007 3:54 PM

comment #42

D.Z. says ...

Z.D.: "And transsexual tentacle hentai porn, one of your favorites I hear."

Nope, but I hear you did a lot of research on the subject.

"D.Z. prefers masturbating to cartoon characters (who look about 13-years-old) that have giant eyes and garishly colored hair,"

Again, you seem to be very familiar with the material. You sure you're not just bringing up your type by mistake?

"neither of which applies to Jolie."

She's as immature as a 13-year old, and makes out with her brother, so you're not too far off...

Posted by D.Z. at September 5, 2007 4:38 PM

comment #43

Rothchild says ...

Nice journalism, assholes. That Rated-M article was mostly bullshit, including a note that the third picture was from earlier this year. It's a THREE YEAR OLD PHOTO FROM COMIC-CON.

Awesome. Did you check their sources? They had none. But I guess that doesn't matter.

Posted by Rothchild at September 5, 2007 4:51 PM

comment #44

pauly says ...

I'll have my Wachowski with penis still attached please.

Besides, he is bald and that isn't a good look on women.

What's next, V for Vagina? (sorry).

Posted by pauly at September 6, 2007 10:05 AM

comment #45

KamikazeCamelV2.0 says ...

I know it's too much to ask that everyone understand that not everyone feels comfortable with the body they have and if Larry had the cash and the (pun intended) balls to go ahead and actually do this surgery then I say good on her. She seems happy and that's what matters.

I'm not going to get into the details on what gender reassignment surgery entails (er, I haven't had it btw) but it's not just a bit of a nip and a bit of a tuck.

Not really sure what having a penis has to do with her directing abilities though. And I find it hilarious that someone that lives in New York City could have those opinions.

Hollywood Elsewhere

Eye-Openers