Directed by Nina Menkes, Brainwashing is a woefully prescriptive documentary that aims to demystify the patriarchal views that have dominated the history of cinema. Dozens of out-of-context movies have used clips of her, supposedly demonstrating the camera’s predatory gaze and the various visual techniques used to objectify female performers. (The documentary was developed from a public presentation And the 2017 essay Menkes wrote. )
The project feels in line with the pioneering independent filmmaker’s previous work (Queen of Diamonds, Bloody Child).
The Bernard Herrmann-esque score (by Sharon Farber) beats intriguingly throughout the documentary, just as Menkes’ narration reveals secret and ominous facts about how the film caters to male fantasies. Using examples from beloved and acclaimed movies like Apocalypse Now, Do the Right Thing, and Phantom Thread, and finally, women have agency. We present to you a decidedly unusual film: one directed by Menkes. .
“Brainwashed” features film theorist Laura Mulvey and interviews with directors such as Julie Dash, Eliza Hittman and Catherine Hardwicke, but for Menkes, Julia Ducournau’s “Titan and not all women are immune to the patriarchal spell, citing Maimouna Ducre’s “Cuties” as an example of internalized misogyny. These particular illustrations suggest that Menkes may not have seen the film, and both seek to criticize a culture that oversexualizes girls and women.
In some respects, Menkes’ assessment is not inaccurate. In fact, some films have a strong desire to make women look powerless and erotic, but that’s not a problem per se. The historical regularity of these depictions is another thing, which speaks to the larger issue of normalizing gender inequality and sexual assault in the industry. By simply pointing out which kinds of images empower women and which kinds do not, documentaries ultimately do the art form, feminist or otherwise, a disservice.
Brainwashing: Sex camera power
Unrated. Running time: 1 hour 47 minutes. at the theater.