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Many of those online commenters have yet to see the film.
Ernst anticipated some of the panic around his decision to help turn Schrags 2014 novel into a 2019 film.
(Akhavan leftAdamowing to scheduling conflicts.)
Ernst had heard ofAdamthe book, but that was as far as his knowledge of the story went.
Upon reading Schrags pages, he decided he wanted to reinterpret them through a trans lens.
Having seen the film, I can confirm that it departs from its original source material inseveral ways.
The crux of the story, however, is the same.
He shyly tags along to viewing parties ofThe L Word, marriage-equality rallies, and dive-y lesbian bars.
Ernst is aware the elevator pitch still raises alarms.
Its almost like living in two different worlds, which is very 2019, he says.
According to Al, this was the case for several other trans and gender-noncomforming extras who used neutral pronouns.
Second, he notes the circumstances of the scenes.
That clued us in to be like, Well, were there trans men there?, Al explained.
Because if this were a camp that welcomed all women, great, but were men.
So how do we fit into this narrative?
The Hole does play a central part in the story ofAdam.
However, Clements did take offense at the look books they received for a house-party scene.
He tells me a lot of intent and sensitivity went toward fostering a trans-inclusive workplace before production began.
Trainings were held with members of wardrobe and other departments to educate them on trans identity, as well.
Despite those intentions, Ernst admits, I do believe somebody could have accidentally been misgendered at some point.
He tells me more than once that its impossible to have a perfect set.
This is a production coming from a good place, and yet mistakes can still be made.
He says he doesnt find those claims consistent with conversations he had with wardrobe.
What does that mean?
And what is the wardrobe of a trans man or a transmasculine person?
Im not really sure where that idea came from.
(At the time,Adams working title wasCity Summer.)
Ernst echoes this, adding, There was no intent to deceive or obfuscate the title or premise.
Ultimately, Ernst says he wishes Als allegations were brought to his attention two years ago, whenAdamwas shot.
But Al strongly disagrees.
He says he never felt comfortable approaching the crew with concerns over pronouns and wardrobe.
In fact, we were encouraged to not approach anyone or ask questions or info, he says.
But Clements never got an answer.
Clements, who also hasnt seen the film, wonders whyAdamwas made in the first place.
I just would have to ask, why at this moment?
We have so many other stories to tell.
Theres just no shortcut to that.
