Year: 2022
Runtime: 107 min
Language: english
This provocative documentary examines the ways in which filmmaking techniques contribute to the objectification of women. Using iconic film clips, Nina Menkes analyzes camera angles and narrative structures, arguing that they often reinforce harmful gender norms and perpetuate a culture of sexual abuse, discrimination, and assault. The film explores the pervasive influence of patriarchy within the cinematic industry and its broader societal implications, revealing a hidden power dynamic at play.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Brainwashed: Sex-Camera-Power yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Read the complete plot breakdown of Brainwashed: Sex-Camera-Power (2022), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
“Startling and thought-provoking, Brainwashed is poised to transform how audiences perceive film. As noted by IndieWire, it inspires not only a fresh way of looking but also a revolutionary approach to seeing.”
For decades, feminist film theorists have delved into the complexities and consequences of the “male gaze.” Initially coined in 1975 by Laura Mulvey—who appears as a pivotal interviewee in Brainwashed—the discussion remains relevant as ever, with the hashtag #malegaze amassing over 300 million views on TikTok. Lena Wilson, a film reviewer for Playlist and TikTok, emphasizes the film’s urgent message: “You may think that on-screen sexism is a thing of the past, or that it can’t possibly affect our society… Menkes is here to tell you, emphatically, that you are wrong.”
Brainwashed builds on the foundational work of Mulvey alongside other prominent feminist thinkers such as Judith Butler, bell hooks, and Angela Carter. Through a combination of interviews with 21 distinguished women and nonbinary experts (and even one man!), along with nearly 200 iconic film clips dating from 1896 to the present, independent filmmaker Nina Menkes meticulously uncovers how elements of shot design—including POV, framing, camera movement, lighting, and sound—have ingrained the sexist binary within cinematic history. The film adeptly links these gendered “laws” of visual language to the pervasive issues of sexual harassment and assault, as well as gender discrimination in the workplace.
By deconstructing societal perceptions of who women are versus the identities they are permitted to embody, Brainwashed equips viewers with the necessary tools to challenge their understanding of traditional filmmaking and its profound repercussions in real life.
Last Updated: November 07, 2024 at 23:03
Don't stop at just watching — explore Brainwashed: Sex-Camera-Power in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Brainwashed: Sex-Camera-Power is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Brainwashed: Sex-Camera-Power with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover movies like Brainwashed: Sex-Camera-Power that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Brainwashed: Sex-Camera-Power (2022) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Brainwashed: Sex-Camera-Power (2022) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Movies Like Brainwashed: Sex-Camera-Power – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
The Red Pill (2016) Complete Plot Breakdown
#Female Pleasure (2019) Full Movie Breakdown
The Pervert's Guide to Ideology (2013) Complete Plot Breakdown
Programming the Nation? (2011) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Body Parts (2023) Movie Recap & Themes
The Hunting Ground (2015) Detailed Story Recap
Human Nature (2020) Full Movie Breakdown
This Changes Everything (2019) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Disclosure (2020) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Skin: A History of Nudity in the Movies (2020) Complete Plot Breakdown
Groomed (2021) Story Summary & Characters
Feminists: What Were They Thinking? (2018) Full Summary & Key Details
Brainstorm (1983) Story Summary & Characters
Aroused (2013) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
The Disappearance of Shere Hite (2023) Detailed Story Recap