Brainwashed: Sex-Camera-Power

What’s it about?

A documentary that looks at the objectification of women in movies and how this can be connected to real-world sexual violence and discrimination. It includes interviews with women from the film industry, footage from lectures and excerpts from films.

("Objectification" is a term that means treating a person as an object or a thing, which is an act that makes that person seem less human or valued than others.)

The facts

• Runtime: 107 minutes
• The film is based on a lecture by its director, Nina Menkes
• The documentary is influenced by Laura Mulvey’s film theory (who coined the phrase “the male gaze”)
• Screening in New Zealand as part of the New Zealand International Film Festival 2023

Why did it get this rating?

Te Mana Whakaatu considers there is value in allowing children and young teens the opportunity to view this film, given its educational merit. An RP classification will allow them to view it if accompanied by a parent or guardian who can talk with them about the difficult subjects in the film.

Sex scenes

The film includes clips from many different movies and these feature a range of sexual material, including strong sex scenes (with nudity and movement). Menkes comments on the scenes, pointing out how the choices of lighting and framing contribute to the objectification of women. These comments give the images an educational tone regardless of how sexy the original context was.

In one scene there is discussion about how the sex we’re seeing on screen was actually taking place during the filming.

Nudity

The documentary shows sexualised nudity (including close-ups of breasts) and clips of voyeurism, where men watch women undress or change without their knowledge. Both male and female bodies are shown fully naked during the film.

Sexual violence

Interviews with women in the film industry describe their first-hand experiences of sexual coercion and discrimination. We also see clips from films featuring sexual violence. Because of the educational documentary style, the discussions of sexual violence and the clips may not be as upsetting as when seen or heard in other contexts.

Many of the discussions reference the ‘Me Too’ movement.

We see scenes where women clearly say “no” before sex then appear to consent (eg Blade Runner, Do the Right Thing) and where young teens are presented as sexually available to older men (eg Lolita, Pretty Baby).

Offensive language

There is occasional offensive language in the film, including “f**k” used in a sexual sense.

Further information

• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?
• What is an RP classification and why is Women Talking RP13?
• Talking with young people about what they’re watching
• Classification labels
• Brainwashed: Sex-Camera-Power on the Whānau Mārama – New Zealand International Film Festival website