"Drag Becomes Him" (2015) offers a fascinating and personal look into the life of internationally celebrated drag performer Jinkx Monsoon, presenting an intimate portrait of the artist behind the iconic character. Directed by Alex Berry, this documentary takes audiences behind the scenes of Jerick Hoffer's journey from a young boy in Portland, Oregon, to becoming one of the most recognizable drag queens on the global stage. Jerick, who goes by the stage name Jinkx Monsoon, offers a narrative that is equal parts artistry, self-discovery, and fierce resilience, giving a glimpse into both the personal and professional side of his transformation into a drag performer.
From a young age, Jerick Hoffer was aware that his identity did not conform to conventional gender norms. Growing up, he questioned why he wasn't a girl and found comfort in embodying feminine aesthetics. This early recognition of his unique identity set the stage for his future performances. Jerick’s journey into the world of drag began at the tender age of 16, which was relatively young compared to many others in the community. While his peers were still navigating their teenage years, Jerick was already honing his craft and shaping his drag persona, Jinkx Monsoon, based on the feminine icons and figures he admired, including characters like Catwoman, Jessica Rabbit, and Meryl Streep's portrayal in Death Becomes Her. But it wasn’t just popular culture that shaped Jerick's drag career.
The matriarchal influence of the women in his family played a significant role in his artistic development. His mother, Deanne Hoffer, his grandmother, and his aunt were unwaveringly supportive of Jerick’s explorations, encouraging his creativity and self-expression. This nurturing environment allowed Jerick to thrive in a space where he could experiment with gender and identity without judgment. The documentary also touches on Jerick's childhood in the context of his family dynamics. Despite the challenges his family faced, such as parental dysfunction, Jerick's relationship with his family remained strong, with his mother and grandmother being pivotal in fostering his confidence and creative spirit.
Jerick's evolution into Jinkx Monsoon was not just a matter of adopting a drag persona; it was a fusion of his theatrical training and his innate desire to perform. After graduating Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Theatrical Performance from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, Jerick began to incorporate his formal training into his drag performances. Drawing from a range of theatrical influences, Jinkx became a character that blended the glamour of old Hollywood stars like Joan Crawford and Lauren Bacall with the comedic genius of figures like Lucille Ball.
These references helped Jinkx develop a versatile and dynamic drag persona capable of captivating audiences through a combination of beauty, humor, and drama. As the documentary unfolds, viewers witness the process behind Jinkx’s transformations. We see him in moments of preparation - tweezing, applying makeup, and slipping into his extravagant outfits - revealing the meticulous artistry involved in drag. For Jinkx, drag is not just about wearing a costume; it’s about crafting a character that offers a platform for self-expression and social commentary. Through his performances, Jinkx touches on themes often marginalized in mainstream narratives, allowing audiences to engage with topics of gender, identity, and societal expectations in new and thought-provoking ways.
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One of the documentary’s most touching elements is the way it delves into Jerick's relationships with his family. There’s a palpable sense of warmth and support from his mother, Deanne, who, though initially apprehensive about Jerick's drag performance, ultimately accepted and embraced it. Jerick's father, while largely absent during his early years, also makes an appearance in the film, offering his acceptance of Jerick's lifestyle, albeit in a more reserved manner. This exploration of family dynamics adds depth to the story, providing insight into how Jerick’s personal life and his chosen art form intersect. The film also features conversations with Jerick’s two younger brothers, who reflect on how their sibling's journey has shaped their own lives and perspectives. The documentary doesn’t shy away from depicting moments of vulnerability within these relationships, adding a layer of authenticity to the narrative. Jerick’s journey is one of not only professional achievement but personal growth, and the support of his family plays a crucial role in that development.
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The documentary captures not just the art of drag, but the culture and community that surrounds it. Jinkx’s performances, whether at SMYRC (Sexual Minority Youth Resource Center), Baconshop Sessions, or at local open mic nights, showcase his dedication to his craft. Over time, his visibility within the Seattle drag scene grew, culminating in his appearance on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 5, where he eventually won the title of America’s Next Drag Superstar. It was through Drag Race that Jinkx achieved national recognition, but the journey to that moment had been long and filled with determination. The film provides a glimpse into the tireless effort and years of hard work it took to get there. Jinkx's ability to blend camp, glamour, and a sharp wit made him a standout, and his victory on the show propelled him to international stardom. However, the documentary doesn’t only celebrate this moment of fame but also reflects on the process of getting there - the risks, the struggles, and the transformative power of drag.
An interesting layer to Drag Becomes Him is its subtle examination of intersectionality, a concept that explores how various social identities - such as gender, race, and class - interact to create systems of privilege or oppression. Jerick Hoffer, as a white male drag performer, experiences certain privileges due to his race, but he also faces challenges associated with his class background and his decision to express gender in nontraditional ways. The documentary provides a nuanced look at how Jerick navigates these multiple facets of his identity. Throughout the film, we see Jerick challenging societal expectations of masculinity, particularly through his drag persona. His performances embody a rejection of hegemonic masculinity and a celebration of femininity. Jerick’s willingness to embrace gender fluidity is a form of resistance to restrictive gender norms, and this aspect of his identity is one of the film’s most compelling themes.
The documentary also hints at the intersection of class and gender. Jerick's upbringing in a working-class family with a young mother suggests a background of economic struggle. Yet, as Jerick’s career takes off, he transitions into a position of financial comfort, further complicated by his fame. His story, therefore, becomes one of overcoming socioeconomic barriers and achieving a kind of success that had previously seemed unattainable. In terms of race and ethnicity, Drag Becomes Him lacks significant diversity, with most of the featured individuals being white. This is noteworthy given the broader context of drag culture, which has historically had both a strong African American influence and a more diverse representation. While the lack of racial diversity in the documentary may be an oversight, it reflects the demographic makeup of Seattle's drag scene at the time of filming, a predominantly white environment.
Drag Becomes Him offers a unique perspective on the life and career of Jinkx Monsoon. Alex Berry’s direction captures both the glittering exterior and the tender moments of Jerick's journey, giving viewers an intimate look at the artist's personal and professional development. The documentary showcases the art of drag as a deeply transformative and performative practice, one that allows individuals to challenge societal norms while celebrating their identity in bold and creative ways. While the film is mostly a positive portrayal, there are a few areas where it could have gone deeper, particularly in addressing the issues of violence and discrimination that affect the drag community. Additionally, there are moments when the documentary veers into vanity territory, focusing heavily on Jinkx’s persona without fully exploring some of the darker or more challenging aspects of his life. Nevertheless, the documentary succeeds in showcasing the artistry, humor, and vulnerability that make Jinkx Monsoon a compelling figure in the drag world.
For those interested in the intersection of gender, performance, and identity, Drag Becomes Him is an insightful and entertaining watch. It not only offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most beloved drag queens of our time but also invites viewers to reflect on the power of transformation, self-expression, and the importance of creating space for all forms of identity in a world that often tries to define us in rigid terms.
Image credits: YouTube
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