Becoming Leslie

Becoming Leslie is a captivating and heartwarming biographical documentary from 2019, directed by Tracy Frazier and Ruby C. Martin, that details the life of Leslie Cochran, an unconventional and unforgettable character who made a significant impact on the city of Austin, Texas.

The film provides a deep and sincere look into Leslie’s life; a man who, with his flamboyant dresses, high heels, and feathered boas, became an iconic figure synonymous with the tagline "Keep Austin Weird". Leslie was not just known for his unusual outfits. He was also a homeless advocate and a definite emblem of free expression.

The documentary employs a mix of interviews, archival footage, and written material to compile a thorough narrative of Leslie's life, capturing the community's varied responses to his unconventional style and activism. The dynamic timeline transitions between past and present effortlessly, unfolding the life story of the charismatic man who enchanted locals and tourists alike.

Throughout the film, Leslie, impressively portrayed by the actor who shares his name, is shown to be a complex individual with a deep sense of purpose. He is an enigma who fluctuated between various identities - a soldier, a husband, an alcoholic, a homeless man, an activist, and finally an indomitable mascot with an enduring legacy.

Becoming Leslie deeps dive into his childhood and family relationships that played a pivotal role in shaping Leslie's character. The filmmakers also vividly illustrate his tumultuous migration from Miami to Colorado, then California and finally to Austin, Texas.

The intense research that has gone into making the film aids in illustrating the journey of a man who projected radical flamboyance, and yet held a fascinating allure for many. His free-spirited nature, activism for the homeless, and his bright attires turned him into a cultural phenomenon in Austin.

Becoming Leslie also gathers detailed testimonials from people who knew Leslie, including those who were once standoffish but grew to accept and even love him. Moreover, it captures Austin's swift urban growth and explores how Leslie became an embodiment of the city's transformation.

The film is a thought-provoking portrayal of Leslie Cochran, matched by Bob Biard's engaging array of archival content that vividly coalesces to bring to life the vibrancy and spectacle of Austin's cultural climate. Biard's wizardly curated footage paints a broad panorama of the life, times, and influence of Leslie Cochran.

Animated segments designed by Adam Callaway play a significant role in the narrative structure of the film as well, visually narrating parts of Leslie's life and the city of Austin that no longer exist. These segments provide a stark but intriguing contrast to the live-action interviews and footage and contribute significantly to the film's overall narrative appeal.

Becoming Leslie raises significant social concerns regarding homelessness, mental health and the societal response towards those who dare to defy established norms. It highlights how Leslie used the attention he received due to his bizarre attire as a sort of performative activism to draw attention to the issues of homelessness and the rapidly changing fabric of Austin.

And, while the film may explore the darker, struggling sides of Leslie's life and the issues he engaged with, it is also a celebration of his life and legacy. It portrays Leslie's undying spirit, his blindness towards societal norms, his eccentricity, and his resilience, presenting an uplifting tribute to a man who came to symbolize the freedom and the spirit of an entire city.

Becoming Leslie is a heartfelt documentary that serves a dual purpose: it immortalizes an icon who stood as a symbol of freedom of thought and expression, and it simultaneously presents a social critique on homelessness and the freedom to defy societal norms. It captures the spirit of the man who, in many ways, became the spirit of Austin, Texas. Leslie’s legacy reminds us of the importance of embracing diversity, empowering individuals with their unique stories, and most of all, it reaffirms our shared responsibility to look out for each other. The story of Becoming Leslie is essentially the story of 'becoming us'.