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Carlotta is a 2014 Australian biographical movie based on the life of transgender pioneer Carlotta, portrayed by Jessica Marais. The movie traces the life of Carol Ann Lee and follows her transformation into Carlotta, one of the country's most iconic performing artists. Anita Hegh and Eamon Farren play the supporting roles of Les Girls royalty, Trixie and Johnny, respectively.

The movie opens in the late 1950s, in Kings Cross's glamourous nightclub scene of Sydney, Australia. Carol Ann Lee (Jessica Marais) is a young man working as a hairdresser in a conservative small town. Carol's life takes a sharp turn when she is caught up in a police raid and charged with public indecency. Stripped of her dignity, Carol leaves her hometown to escape the shame and humiliation. She takes on a new identity, Carlotta, and moves to Sydney, determinedly changing her fortune.

Carlotta gets a job as a showgirl at Les Girls, a famous nightclub where the performers dress like women. Despite knowing her secret, Carlo's boss, Bunny (Paul Capsis), sees her potential and grooms her for stardom. Carlotta's tenacity and talent soon earn her the respect and admiration of her peers.

As Carlotta's career progresses, she meets Trixie (Anita Hegh), who becomes her closest friend and confidante. Together they navigate the challenges of courtship, love, and heartbreak. Trixie becomes Carlotta's emotional refuge and provides her with the support and encouragement she needs, as the defining moments of her life unfold.

Through her performances at Les Girls, Carlotta becomes an icon in the entertainment industry, pioneering transgender representation in Australia. However, her growing fame, combined with her secret past, exposes Carlotta to harsh scrutiny and prejudice. She becomes the target of the tabloid press, who relentlessly hound her.

As Carlotta struggles to come to terms with her public and private life, she leans on Johnny (Eamon Farren), another Les Girls showboy, who becomes her long-term partner. Carlotta's romantic relationship with Johnny is complex- filled with ups and downs - but together they push each other to greatness. Carlotta's desire for fame and passion for performing is the driving force behind her transformative journey, but also the source of much heartbreak and conflict.

Director Samantha Lang does a superb job of portraying Carlotta's story with dignity, sensitivity, and respect. The movie is beautifully shot, with stunning recreations of Sydney's communes, club scenes, and cultural landmarks of the era. Jessica Marais gives an exceptional performance as Carlotta, bringing her character to life with extraordinary empathy and intensity. her transition is not only physical, but also emotional, as she navigates the complexities of her identity.

The movie also explores Carlotta's impact on Australia's growing LGBTQ+ rights movement. In one scene, Carlotta gives a rousing speech at a rally in support of homosexual law reform. The movie shows that Carlotta is more than just a performer; she is a trailblazer and an advocate.

Overall, Carlotta is a captivating and moving biographical drama that tells the story of a pioneering transgender performer who challenged norms and redefined conventions in 1960s Australia. The movie's universal themes of love, acceptance, and self-discovery will resonate with viewers of all ages and backgrounds. Carlotta's remarkable story is one of courage, resilience, and triumph over adversity that will inspire and uplift anyone who watches it.

Carlotta is a 2012 tv movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.