Watch Glen or Glenda

Glen or Glenda is a unique and surreal movie from 1953, directed, produced, and written by the infamous Edward D. Wood Jr., who is often referred to as the "worst director of all time." The film was inspired by Wood's own experiences with cross-dressing and his personal struggle with gender identity. The movie revolves around the life of a young man named Glen (played by Wood himself), who is struggling to come to terms with his desire to cross-dress. He is engaged to a woman named Barbara (played by Dolores Fuller) and is afraid of losing her if he reveals his secret to her. Glen confides in his psychiatrist, Dr. Alton (played by Bela Lugosi), who tries to help him overcome his distress.

As the story unfolds, the movie shifts to a strange and surreal world where Glen's alter ego, Glenda, the cross-dressing persona, narrates the story. This parallel world is filled with bizarre images and dreamlike sequences, showcasing the inner turmoil and complexities of Glen's emotional state.

Throughout the movie, Wood weaves in various subplots, including a bizarre storyline about a man who undergoes a sex change operation and a tragic tale of a young man, representing a victim of society's intolerance towards homosexuality. These subplots serve as both, a commentary on societal norms and a reflection of Wood's own experiences and dark fascination with misunderstood and ostracised individuals.

The film is also notable for its use of stock footage, most notably, from the medical documentary "Sexual Practices in Sweden" and "The Terror," a 1963 movie that Wood produced and was later admitted to his final film.

Overall, Glen or Glenda is a surreal and deeply personal film that explores themes of identity, sexuality, and societal norms. The movie is a fascinating insight into the mind of its creator, Edward D. Wood Jr., and showcases his unique and unconventional approach to storytelling. Despite its flaws and shortcomings, the film remains a cult classic and a must-watch for fans of avant-garde cinema.

Glen or Glenda is a 1953 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 5 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.2.