“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 “classic” shot setups often display women as objects—and men as subjects. Building on the essential work of feminist film theorist Laura Mulvey, Menkes shows how these not-so-subtle embedded messages go on to perpetuate the epidemic of sexual harassment, pay inequity and employment discrimination against women in film. Brainwashed 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 and Rosanna Arquette. The result is an electrifying call to action that will change the way you watch movies forever.
Tickets: $15 (Members from $10)
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