Dorm Film Post: America the Beautiful

The documentary, America the Beautiful, will be viewed tomorrow (Wednesday, January 8) at 6:30 in  2^nd Heyns, Room 258. However, we will meet in the lobby of BHT for simplicity sake. Snacks and a lively discussion will be provided.

This film follows the story of a young girl, age 12, who is discovered by the fashion industry and thrust briefly into the world of modeling. Using the rise and fall of this young fashion sensation, Director Darryl Roberts identifies the way humans are conditioned to try and live up to impossible standards of physical perfection, and the harmful behavior that can result from this mindset.

Robert Ebert, a movie critic for the Chicago Sun-Times , gives the film a positive review, finding  this film to accurately portray a severely distorted mindset in today’s culture regarding the female body. He came away feeling enraged at the ruthless methods and motives of the fashion industry. The powerful message is one that Ebert values, but he does mention the presence of some unnecessary footage.

A much more critical review was posted in the New York Times , calling the director “naïve” and “ignorant” of the real issues regarding body image in teen girls. The author feels much of the footage was unnecessary and that the message was too shallow.

To watch the trailer for this film, visit this YouTube site. Note the shocking comments made by both men and women alike. Most people don’t even realize where their expectations of beauty are coming from or why we have them. This film attempts to bring to light the devastating effects of the current beauty industry and initiate a change in the way we view beauty.