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IMDbPro

The Mask You Live In

  • 20152015
  • Not RatedNot Rated
  • 1h 37m
IMDb RATING
7.6/10
2.7K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
35,493
233
The Mask You Live In (2015)
Trailer for The Mask You Live In
Play trailer3:08
1 Video
8 Photos
DocumentaryNews
Explores how our culture's narrow definition of masculinity is harming our boys, men and society at large and unveils what we can do about it.Explores how our culture's narrow definition of masculinity is harming our boys, men and society at large and unveils what we can do about it.Explores how our culture's narrow definition of masculinity is harming our boys, men and society at large and unveils what we can do about it.
IMDb RATING
7.6/10
2.7K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
35,493
233
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Director
      • Jennifer Siebel Newsom
    • Writers
      • Jessica Anthony
      • Jessica Congdon
      • Jennifer Siebel Newsom
    • Stars
      • Joe Herman
      • Michael Kimmel
      • Caroline Heldman
    Top credits
    • Director
      • Jennifer Siebel Newsom
    • Writers
      • Jessica Anthony
      • Jessica Congdon
      • Jennifer Siebel Newsom
    • Stars
      • Joe Herman
      • Michael Kimmel
      • Caroline Heldman
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 23User reviews
    • 5Critic reviews
    • Awards
      • 1 win

    Videos1

    The Mask You Live In
    Trailer 3:08
    The Mask You Live In

    Photos8

    The Mask You Live In (2015)
    Jennifer Siebel Newsom at an event for The Mask You Live In (2015)
    Jessica Congdon, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, Gavin Newsom, and Jessica Anthony at an event for The Mask You Live In (2015)
    Jennifer Siebel Newsom and Caroline Heldman at an event for The Mask You Live In (2015)
    The Mask You Live In (2015)
    The Mask You Live In (2015)
    The Mask You Live In (2015)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Joe Herman
    • Self - Coach and Former NLF Player
    Michael Kimmel
    • Self - Sociologist and Educator
    • (as Dr. Michael Kimmel)
    Caroline Heldman
    Caroline Heldman
    • Self - Political Scientist and Educator
    • (as Dr. Caroline Heldman)
    Tony Porter
    • Self - Educator and Activist
    Roman Sarlo
    • Self
    Mike Nelson
    • Self
    Cleo Cloman
    • Self
    Borey Ai
    • Self
    Nghiep Lam
    • Self
    Curtis Carroll
    • Self
    Tommy Winfrey
    • Self
    Ian Breckenridge-Jackson
    • Self
    Lisa Elliott
    • Self - Neuroscientist
    • (as Dr. Lise Eliot)
    Michael G. Thompson
    • Self - Psychologist
    • (as Dr. Michael G. Thompson)
    Nadine Burke
    • Self - Pediatrician
    • (as Dr. Nadine Burke-Harris)
    William Pollack
    • Self - Psychologist and Educator
    • (as Dr. William Pollack)
    Carol Gilligan
    • Self - Psychologist and Educator
    • (as Dr. Carol Gilligan)
    Steven Mason
    • Self
    • Director
      • Jennifer Siebel Newsom
    • Writers
      • Jessica Anthony
      • Jessica Congdon
      • Jennifer Siebel Newsom
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      End card: «This film is dedicated to all of the boys and men we know and love who inspire us daily with their courage and conviction to stay true to themselves.»
    • Connections
      Features Dirty Harry (1971)
    • Soundtracks
      Welcome to the Party
      Written by gary, Dennis Hill, Kyle Hanagami, Kevin Baldes (as Kevin Baldez) and Kenneth Livingstone

      Performed by Good Man Down

      Courtesy of Lyric House, LLC

    User reviews23

    Review
    Top review
    9/10
    Easily Related To
    What does it mean to be a man, exactly? Why shouldn't boys cry? Why can't fathers share their emotions? Why are men allowed to communicate their anger towards others but not their love for their friends? Why are young men taught to view women as sexual conquests instead of people or friends?

    Questions such as these lie at the heart of this documentary, which argues that our society's definition of masculinity is deeply flawed. This is done through a wide array of interviews and case studies. Though the film is clearly informed by feminist theory and an academic foundation, the case studies put a face on concepts and humanizes the ideas found in textbooks. It is an accessible and clear introduction to the fact that feminists care deeply about men's issues. I would strongly discourage people from avoiding the film simply because of this theoretical orientation, however.

    I was able to easily relate to the narratives and case studies presented in the film. The process of socialization for boys is something I experienced first hand, and the film organizes things in an insightful and cogent way. Similarly, it does an excellent job of capturing when things begin to go off the rails. For instance, one of the experts that is interviewed notes that kindergarten boys are eager to talk and participate, while by sixth grade boys had become increasingly reticent. This reticence is, partly, because of an avoidance of being nerdy (weak, effeminate) in favor of projecting a tough "I don't care, none of this effects me" attitude. Example upon example is piled on to create a compelling diagnosis of a problem.

    The primary issue of the film, or perhaps an area for future discussion or analysis, is that it does not explicitly broach how masculinity overlaps with race and class. It is portrayed, but not explicitly explored. There is some mention of how sexuality and masculinity are intrinsically connected, but those other axis of oppression are largely ignored. As a result the concept of masculinity used in this film might seem overgeneralized to viewers. Fortunately, the film wisely sticks to the most universal threads such as aggression, dominance, and control.

    Just a final note: If you have read this film as attempting to demonize "maleness," you've missed the point. It's about the performance of manhood, which is a matter of gender, not sex. Gender is highly malleable and varies across cultures in a variety of ways, and this movie highlights the possibility for change towards a more open and loving form of masculinity in the future. That is a fantastic message and I would encourage any men who find themselves feeling defensive or threatened by the contents of this film to really question why they feel that way. There is an enormous opportunity for self- introspection and growth in this film.
    helpful•48
    38
    • drohucimup
    • Jan 20, 2016

    FAQ1

    • UK Release?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • January 25, 2015 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official site
      • Official site
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Maska sa kojom živite
    • Production companies
      • The Representation Project
      • The Annenberg Foundation
      • The Brin Wojcicki Foundation
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 37 minutes
    • Color
      • Color

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