Members of a James Dean Fan Club reunite after some 20 years or so at the convenience store of their home town, to reminisce, only to find that most of them have been living lies, telling themselves stories, not being able to face themselves and see the truth about their lives. The only one being honest, is the character of Karen Black, who was a man before and has had a sex change operation becoming a woman. As a teenager he was scorned for being a member of the fan club and thought to be a whimp, but he has turned out to be the most courageous of them all, facing his desire to become a woman, and live a truthful life.
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Best part of story, including ending:
Everybody has to come to terms with the lies they have been telling themselves and face the reality of their lives. They are all just ordinary people, who have their share of flaws and insecurities. They all learn something about themselves (they had rather not).
Best scene in story:
I love the fact that it is almost all shot at the same location, the convenience store, and that the change of period (the time of the reunion and the time of the memory) is only indicated by someone coming through the door in a different outfit for instance.
Opinion about the main character:
Altman made ensemble films and it is hard to tell who is the main character, but in this film I would say, it's Karen Black's character. Her character is extremely courageous and honest.
