Kinky Boots
2005 Director: Julian Jerrold
Starring: Joel Edgerton, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Sarah-Jane Potts, Jemima Rooper
In England’s Northampton region, the Price family has been making quality men’s shoes for generations. Charlie Price (Edgerton) is not exactly thrilled to “fill his father’s shoes” when his dad passes away; he wanted to do more exciting things in London. Charlie and Nicola (Rooper), his fiancé, both have plans in the big city as they search for a place to live. Nevertheless, Charlie feels a sense of duty and takes over the factory, though his heart is not really into the business.
In this film, based on a true story, Charlie soon finds out that the traditional product they had been making is not selling anymore. He travels to London to speak to a wholesaler, who is now interested in cheap shoes that will force customers into repeat purchases. That evening he witnesses several men attacking a woman in an alley—but it’s not a woman, it’s a drag performer. Charlie loses consciousness when he gets hit in the face. As he wakes, he realizes that he’s in a backstage dressing room. Lola (Ejiofor) says: “Very sweet, you riding to my rescue. Very Prince Charming.” In the scuffle, Lola broke the heel to her boot. She complains that the shoes she buys don’t support a man’s weight.
When Charlie returns to the Northampton factory, he is faced with letting several workers go because business is bad. Lauren (Potts) suggests they change the product so the factory won’t go under. Charlie speaks to Lola, whose name is actually Simon, about designing and producing elegant footwear for drag performers. The film makes contrasts between the town of Northampton and London. Whereas anything goes in London, that is not the case up north. Charlie worries what everyone will think when they begin to produce footwear for drag performers.
The issue of acceptance is important to the story. We see this as the film begins, as a young Simon puts on a pair of women’s heels, and skips along playfully. His father disapproves and calls him stupid. Charlie decides to stop worrying about the opinions others; he resolves his dilemma by having Lola/Simon design the product, making him part of the team.
Ejiofor is spectacular as Lola, particularly in the songs he sings, “I Want to be Evil,” “Whatever Lola Wants, Lola Gets,” “These Boots are Made for Walkin’” (medley), and others. His singing is outstanding and he commands the stage with his larger-than-life presence. The stage sets, lighting, and other décor are also dazzling.