Brainwashed: Sex-Camera-Power

This is easily one of, if not the most, important documentary about filmmaking. This film truly deprogrammed my brain. It opened my eyes to how films enter our psyche and perpetuate ideas about the world. Watching this should be a prerequisite for all people entering the industry.

I think this documentary (which is more like a recording of TED-like talk with interviews interspersed) is one of the most important documentaries of our time for women and their push for equality. Why? Because the way women are represented in the media and film has to change. And Menkes makes a convincing argument of how that current, sexist lens creates real-world chaos for women. You can read more at my blog here: https://stephaniewest.org/2023/03/06/one-of-the-most-important-documentaries-of-our-time-if-the-camera-is-predatory-then-the-culture-is-predatory-as-well/

Finally got to see "Brainwashed". On the big screen. With a fantastic Q&A that included the filmmakers. (Live in LA) See it - the documentary is a critical and unflinching mirror to cinema's sexist past, and some keys to a better future on the page, on set, and on film. It's not a man-bashing, woke fest. It insightfully and clearly illustrates the objectification culture present in film today, as well as the historic and current employment discrimination against women. #consciousnessistransformative

warning: this film may take you on a rollercoaster of anger-grief-hope. BRAINWASHED: SEX-CAMERA-POWER is striking in its simple, straightforward demonstration of power dynamics at play in the visual language of cinema, the impact of those dynamics on culture, and solutions for moving forward in a new way. filmmaker nina menkes treats the subject in a calm and measured manner, walking the audience through the topic like they're attending a graduate film studies class. the audience is given a multitude of examples which demonstrate a visual pattern that is - whether intentionally or unintentionally - reinforced throughout a century of filmmaking, a pattern that most often objectifies women and minorities. the film links this pattern to the wider, societal implications, its role in contributing to the everyday objectification of women and minorities in workplaces and interpersonal interactions, and the inequitable economics of filmmaking. then, rather than condemning the visual pattern, or shaming those who use it, the film plainly asks, "is this style of visual language effectively communicating the narrative?" and/or "is there another way to accomplish the goal that may be even more effective?" here, examples of alternatives are provided. by bringing the pattern into conscious awareness without any shame or retribution, the film allows the audience an opportunity to choose to heal the collective trauma wrought by the normalization of on-screen dehumanization, and to be free of the unconscious visual language so that it can be transformed into an entirely new system.

I went for a movie, not for a lecture, and certainly not for the director's narcissist plug-ins of her own films.

An eye-opening look at the subtle techniques of cinema language perpetuate ideas about men and women that seep into everyone's subconscious in harmful ways. A must-see for anyone making creative content.

Thought provoking film at the intersection of time, place and space. Nina Menkes "nails it" prodding us to nudge the male gaze with a finger on our pulse!

This is a must-see for everyone and especially anyone who works in visual arts or the entertainment industry. Nina Menkes brilliantly explains how the objectification of women in films is connected to employment discrimination and sexual abuse and violence towards women. Breaking down exactly how directors compose shots and using many examples from A-list films and directors she relates the importance of understanding the subject-object relationship onscreen. This objectification has been normalized in men and women, and results in the dehumanization of women. This doc is so well-done, and addresses the way directors can learn to shoot for the feelings of a character, not how they look. It's well researched and uses so many examples, it's an opportunity to see how the old and tired language of the male gaze supports the patriarchy and is a true disservice to everyone. Must-see film!

This movie breaks down film in such a valuable way as to help the viewer understand how our worldview has been influenced by cinema. If you're a filmmaker, it's a must watch. If you're not, get ready to get your mind blown.

Absolute must-see not only for male and female filmmakers but every being on this planet. This doc film is a true revelation. What many females have felt rumble deep down inside and gnaw at them while watching movies and TV for all of their lives now gets an explanation, a thorough yet easy to understand analysis. Understanding how movies worked and how brainwashed our societies really are is an absolute eye-opener. The film needs to be shared widely. It should be mandatory at every film school, universities, for teachers, film production, film festival teams etc.