Cho Shows Her Mettle in ‘I’m the One That I Want’

In “I’m the One That I Want,” a deftly made concert film from Margaret Cho’s acclaimed one-woman show, the comedian recalls the dramatic and improbable ups and downs of her life and career with scabrous humor.

She emerges as a triumphant survivor, a veritable poster girl for the painful process of self-discovery, acceptance and affirmation.

Raised in San Francisco by Korean immigrant parents who ran a bookstore on Polk Street, Cho grew up repressing her urge to perform, told by her parents that an Asian girl had no chance in show business.

Rebelling at 16, Cho began her career in stand-up. Years later, she found herself starring in TV’s first Asian American sitcom, “All American Girl,” only to be ordered to lose weight and listen to a consultant on how to be “more Asian.”

When the short-lived series was canceled, Cho was so overcome by a sense of failure, she nearly lost her life to drink and drugs until she hit rock bottom and began the long climb back to her roots, regaining the voice--i.e., identity--her erstwhile boyfriend Quentin Tarantino told her she was losing, and emerging as the vibrant, pleasingly plump, healthy-looking woman she is today at 31.

In telling her story with a darkly hilarious, ultra-raunchy sense of humor, Cho repeatedly impersonates her mother with great affection as she looks back on family life and pays tribute to the gay community in whose midst she grew up and which has supported her steadfastly. Identifying herself with other minorities (whose members she mimics outrageously), Cho shatters racial and sexual stereotypes with merciless wit.

“I’m the One That I Want” was filmed unobtrusively and judiciously by Lionel Coleman while Cho was in performance at San Francisco’s venerable Warfield Theater last November. At the end of its local premiere last week, Cho appeared in person, telling an appreciative audience that she made her film “for people who feel they don’t belong.”

* Unrated. Times guidelines: very strong, sexually graphic language, adult themes.

*

‘I’m the One That I Want’

A Cho Taussig presentation. Director/chief cinematographer Lionel Coleman. Producer Lorene Machado. Executive producers Margaret Cho & Karen Taussig. Writer Margaret Cho. Music Joan Jett & the Blackhearts. Editor Robyn T. Migel. Running time: 1 hour, 36 minutes.

Exclusively at the Nuart, 11272 Santa Monica Blvd., West Los Angeles, (310) 478-6379.