Amy Wang's 'Slanted': A Satirical Exploration of Race and Identity

In her directorial debut, 'Slanted,' Amy Wang presents a biting satire on race, identity, and societal beauty standards through the story of Joan Huang, an Asian teenager who undergoes radical surgery to change her race in a bid to win the title of prom queen. The film premiered at the Sydney Film Festival, where it received the Narrative Jury Award at SXSW earlier this year, and has sparked significant discourse on the implications of altering one's racial identity for social acceptance.

Joan, portrayed by Shirley Chen, embodies the struggles faced by many minority adolescents in predominantly white environments. Wang draws from her own experiences growing up in Australia as a Chinese immigrant, where she often felt alienated due to her heritage. "In my early teens, I would think a lot about: 'Wouldn't life just be easier if I was white?'" Wang recalls, illustrating the internalized racism that inspired the narrative of 'Slanted.'

The film captures Joan's desperate attempts to fit into white beauty standards, employing everything from race-altering Instagram filters to nose peg alterations in her pursuit of acceptance. These exaggerated measures highlight the lengths to which individuals may go to conform to societal norms, raising critical questions about identity and self-worth in a world increasingly obsessed with appearances.

Wang's portrayal of Joan's transformation into Jo Hunt, played by McKenna Grace, serves as a commentary on the privileges associated with being perceived as white in America. Joan's transition allows her to escape her minority status, granting her access to societal benefits previously denied to her. This shift in identity, however, leads to a disconnection from her roots and family, emphasizing the emotional cost of such decisions.

"I think for me, what was important was to portray an Asian family who was supportive," Wang states, challenging stereotypes that often depict Asian families negatively. The film poignantly showcases the tension between Joan and her mother, reflecting the complexities of immigrant family dynamics and the generational divide in understanding cultural identity.

'**Slanted**' does not shy away from exploring the darker side of its premise. As technology and social media evolve, so too do the methods by which individuals attempt to reshape their identities. Wang notes, "Nowadays, more than ever, a lot of Western beauty standards are actually imitating Asian beauty standards; cat-eye make-up, tanning and all of those things," suggesting a troubling irony in the cultural appropriation of Asian features while simultaneously rejecting the individuals who embody them.

The film's blend of body horror and dark comedy positions it within a lineage of works that critique societal norms, akin to films like 'Mean Girls.' Yet, it pushes boundaries further by exploring the extremities of identity transformation in a satirical context.

As 'Slanted' prepares for its public release following its festival run, it opens up a vital conversation about race, identity, and the lengths individuals will go to in pursuit of acceptance in a society that often prioritizes appearance over authenticity. With the ongoing discussions around race and representation in media, Wang's work stands as a poignant reminder of these issues, encouraging viewers to reflect on their perceptions and biases.

The film will screen as part of the Sydney Film Festival on June 15, with further distribution details pending. Its exploration of identity transformation poses significant implications for discussions around race and societal expectations, making it a critical addition to contemporary cinema.