Wide screen. Originally produced as a documentary film in 2022. Special features: audio commentary with director Nina Menkes & editor Cecily Rhett; isoalted excerpts of the score by Sharon Farber; Q&A with Nina Menkes. Julie Dash, Penelope Spheeris, Charlyne Yi.
Summary:
"If the camera is predatory, then the culture is predatory." In this eye-opening documentary, celebrated independent filmmaker Nina Menkes explores the sexual politics of cinematic shot design. Using clips from hundreds of movies we all know and love from Metropolis to Vertigo to Phantom Thread Menkes convincingly makes the argument that shot design is gendered. It illuminates the patriarchal narrative codes that hide within supposedly "classic" set-ups and camera angles and demonstrates how women are frequently displayed as objects for the use, support, and pleasure of male subjects. The film features interviews with an all-star cast of women and non-binary industry professionals including Julie Dash, Penelope Spheeris, Charlyne Yi, Joey Soloway, Catherine Hardwicke, Eliza Hittman, Maria Giese, and Rosanna Arquette. The result is an electrifying call-to-action that will fundamentally change the way you see, and watch, movies.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.