Soldier's Girl


Soldier's Girl is a 2003 Canadian-American drama film produced by Showtime. It is based on a story of the relationship between Barry Winchell and Calpernia Addams and the events that led up to Barry's murder by a fellow soldier. It was written by Ron Nyswaner and directed by Frank R. Pierson, with Troy Garity starring as Barry and Lee Pace starring as Calpernia.
Soldier's Girl was among the ten best Television Programs of the Year by the American Film Institute.

Plot

Barry is a private with the 101st Airborne Division of the United States Army, stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky while Calpernia works as a showgirl at a transgender revue in Nashville, Tennessee. Barry's roommate Justin Fisher brings Barry to the club where Calpernia performs. When Barry and Calpernia start dating, Fisher, out of jealousy, participates in spreading rumors about Barry's alleged affair, which appeared to be a violation of the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy which forbids discussion of sexual orientation of military personnel. Barry faces increasing harassment and pressure, which explodes into violence over a Fourth of July weekend after Barry easily beats Calvin Glover in a fight. While Calpernia performs in a pageant in Nashville, Barry is beaten to death in his sleep by Glover with a baseball bat given by Fisher. The film ends with a discussion of the aftermath.

Cast

Production

Soldier's Girl was filmed in Toronto and Barrie in Ontario, Canada.

Reception

Critical response

On Rotten Tomatoes the film has an approval rating of 88% based on reviews from 8 critics.
John Leonard of New York Magazine wrote: "All three principal performances are superb."

Accolades

YearCategoryAward NominationResult
2003EmmyOutstanding Directing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special
2003EmmyOutstanding Makeup for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special
2003Gotham AwardsBreakthrough Actor
2004GLAADOutstanding Television Movie or Mini-Series
2004Golden GlobeBest Mini-Series or Motion Picture made for Television
2004Golden GlobeBest Performance by an Actor in a Mini-Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television
2004Golden GlobeBest Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
2004Independent Spirit AwardsBest Male Lead
2004Independent Spirit AwardsBest Supporting Male
2004Peabody Award
2004Satellite AwardsBest Motion Picture Made for Television
2004Satellite AwardsBest Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or a Motion Picture Made for Television
2004Satellite AwardsBest Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or a Motion Picture Made for Television
2004Satellite AwardsBest Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or a Motion Picture Made for Television
2004Television Critics Association AwardsOutstanding Movie, Miniseries or Special