Watch Mr. Angel

"Mr. Angel" is a 2013 documentary film that explores the fascinating life of Buck Angel, who is known for being the world's first female-to-male transsexual adult film star. Directed by Dan Hunt, the film takes viewers on a journey through Buck's early life, his struggles with addiction and gender dysphoria, and his eventual rise to fame in the adult film industry. The film also features interviews with Buck's wife Elayne, his close friend and sex educator Lux Alptraum, and other notable figures in the transgender community.

The film begins by introducing viewers to Buck's childhood, which was marked by feelings of confusion and isolation due to his gender identity. Growing up as a girl in Southern California, Buck never felt comfortable in his own skin and struggled to fit in with his peers. As a teenager, he began abusing drugs and alcohol in an attempt to numb the pain of his gender dysphoria.

After years of living as a woman, Buck decided to undergo gender reassignment surgery and start living as a man. This decision was not made lightly, as Buck knew that it would mean giving up his career as a professional model and severely limiting his dating prospects. However, he felt that it was a necessary step in order to live authentically as himself.

Despite these challenges, Buck was determined to make a new life for himself as a trans man. He began working as a performance artist and eventually landed a job in the adult film industry. Initially, Buck's work in adult films attracted controversy and criticism from some members of the transgender community, who felt that his portrayal of trans men was offensive and fetishistic. However, Buck saw his work as a way to break down barriers and challenge societal norms surrounding gender and sexuality.

Throughout the film, Buck is portrayed as a complex and fascinating figure, who defies easy categorization. He is both charismatic and vulnerable, a man who has experienced both great success and profound loss in his life. However, the film also highlights some of the challenges that Buck faces as a trans man, such as discrimination and marginalization within the LGBTQ+ community.

One of the strengths of "Mr. Angel" is that it does not shy away from some of the more difficult aspects of Buck's life, such as his struggles with drug addiction and his rocky relationship with his mother. However, the film ultimately portrays Buck as a survivor, someone who has overcome tremendous obstacles to find a sense of purpose and fulfillment in his life.

The film also features interviews with several other notable figures in the transgender community, including Buck's wife Elayne Angel, who is a prominent body modification artist and writer on the subject of sex and gender. Other interviewees include Lux Alptraum, a writer and sex educator who has worked closely with Buck over the years, and Annie Sprinkle, a pornographic actress and sex educator who has long been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.

Overall, "Mr. Angel" is a thought-provoking and engaging documentary that explores the life of one of the most fascinating figures in the transgender community. While some viewers may be put off by the film's frank depictions of sex and sexuality, these scenes are ultimately presented in a sensitive and respectful manner, and are essential to understanding Buck's journey. Ultimately, the film is a testament to the resilience and determination of one individual, and a reminder that all of us have the capacity to overcome adversity and find meaning in our lives.

In summary, "Mr. Angel" is a powerful and moving portrait of Buck Angel, a trans man who has overcome tremendous obstacles to find his place in the world. Through interviews with Buck and his family and friends, as well as archival footage and reenactments, the film offers a comprehensive look at Buck's life and career, while also exploring larger issues of gender, sexuality, and identity. Whether you're a member of the LGBTQ+ community or someone who's simply interested in learning more about the struggles and triumphs of marginalized groups, "Mr. Angel" is an insightful and engaging documentary that is well worth watching.

Mr. Angel is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 11 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.