In 1920s Copenhagen, landscape painter Einar Wegener starts to discover Lili, the woman inside, after posing for his wife Gerda's portraits. The story follows the couple to Paris and Germany as Lili seeks surgery. Watch how paintings, clothes and small changes in a face carry the story of a changing identity.
The Danish Girl is a 2015 drama, romance and biography film directed by Tom Hooper. This breakdown covers 4 techniques (1 psychology, 2 cinematography and 1 narrative), each with the scene where you can see it. If you like how it is made, Lust, Caution uses several of the same techniques.
Showing a character's sense of self being built, borrowed or stripped away by pressure, roles or the group. Who they are shifts with what they wear, say or join.
How this film uses it
Einar's sense of self changes with what he wears and how he moves. Makeup, a wig and clothes let Lili appear, and as she grows stronger Einar fades. The film lets you see a person being built in front of you.
Where to see it
The artists' ball: Gerda suggests Einar attend as Lili, and they prepare him with makeup, clothes and a wig. At the ball, Lili spends the night with Henrik Sandahl.
Designing the sets to reflect what is going on inside a character. The place they live in tells you things about them that the dialogue doesn't.
How this film uses it
The story starts in Gerda's painting studio, and the paintings in it drive the plot. Her portraits of Lili draw the attention of art dealers in Paris. The Danish and Paris interiors were built at Elstree Studios, so the rooms could be built to fit the couple's mood.
Where to see it
The painting session: When her female model is late, Gerda asks Einar to pose. The experience draws out his feminine side.
Holding a close-up on an actor's face long enough to catch tiny changes in expression. You read what the character is thinking from details a wider shot would miss.
How this film uses it
Much of Lili's inner life shows in her face. Small changes in an expression tell you what she is afraid to say. The film trusts a look to carry as much as dialogue.
Where to see it
Dr. Hexler's office: Lili tells the doctor he hurt Lili. He decides she is insane and tries to have her committed.
Returning to the same physical object again and again until it means more than what it is. It moves the plot and also stands for the film's main ideas.
How this film uses it
A scarf that Lili gave to Gerda becomes a small marker of their bond. It reappears at the very end, when the wind takes it. Losing it feels like losing Lili.
Where to see it
Epilogue: Gerda and Hans visit the hilltop where Lili and Hans grew up. The scarf Lili gave Gerda blows away in the wind.
Questions
The Danish Girl: quick answers
What filmmaking techniques does The Danish Girl use?
CineCode breaks down 4 techniques in The Danish Girl (2015): Identity Construction and Loss, Production Design as Psychological Space, Deliberate Close-Up Performance and Symbolic Object.
Who directed The Danish Girl?
Tom Hooper directed The Danish Girl, released in 2015. CineCode also covers The King's Speech (2010).
What films are similar to The Danish Girl?
Films that share techniques with The Danish Girl include Lust, Caution (2007), 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (2026), The Apartment (1960), Priscilla (2023).
