Review
Ostensibly a documentary on the lives of transsexuals, this cheap Doris Wishman picture is outfitted with enough softcore sex, questionable facts and brutal surgical footage to betray it as the freak show it was truly meant to be. Dr. Leo Wollman is our guide as we investigate the "monstrous biological joke" that nature has played on some of our citizens. Perhaps he is a real doctor, since his entire time spent onscreen proves him to be completely uncomfortable in front of the camera, and the sight of his eyes darting back and forth to read cue cards during closeups is unsettling. He introduces us to several pre- and post-operative transsexuals and treats us to uncomfortable nude examinations(occasionally without gloves). While Wishman's overt intention is empathy, her treatment of her subjects reduces them to a sideshow level, as the awkward, bewigged would-be females are put through softcore sex demonstrations to prove that they can function erotically. Wishman's fans will recognize idiosyncratic shots of walking feet and bizarre framing devices, but this trademark clumsiness compounds the exploitation of these poor souls (as they bravely clench their fists and display their genitals for the enlightenment of society, couldn't she at least keep the camera straight on the tripod? ). An extremely weird "white coater" made in an era when no one needed these sorts of faux-documentary lengths to get naked people onscreen, Let Me Die A Woman stands as a more explicit, less personalized companion piece to Ed Wood's Glen or Glenda? ~ Fred Beldin, All Movie Guide
On the DVD
Uncut anamorphic (1.78:1) widescreen edition transferred from the original negative
Audio commentary from Doris Wishman archivist Michael Bowen and star, Leslie
Rare alternate opening credits sequence
Original theatrical trailer and promotional spots
Radio spot
