Keywords: doll collecting, subculture, obsession, documentary, Maureen Judge, Living Dolls, personalities, animation, Barbie, Ellowyne, love dolls, collectors.
Three words: 'Intriguing', 'Unusual', 'Revealing'
Introduction
"Living Dolls" is a documentary directed by Maureen Judge, released in 2013. The film draws back the curtain on a subculture that remains unexplored by many: the world of doll collecting. The documentary provides an intimate exploration of the lives of four collectors, each with their unique reasons for being drawn into this fascinating, and often misunderstood, world.
Synopsis
The documentary delves into the lives of four individuals: Debbie, a mother who spends more than her family's income on her Ellowyne doll collection; Mike, a man who has never left his parents' house and has an obsession with Barbie; Michael, an animator who repurposes dolls for his epic robot-porn film; and David, a married man who views his love dolls as a fusion of sex and art. Through their stories, the film unravels the complexities of this subculture and the reasons behind their obsessions.
More Film Analysis
Analysis
"Living Dolls" adopts a respectful and non-judgmental approach, allowing the subjects to share their stories and the reasons behind their obsessions. The storytelling is immersive, going beyond the surface layer of the hobby to probe deeper into the psychological and emotional connections that these individuals have with their collections.
Historical and Factual Context
Doll collecting is a hobby that dates back centuries, originally seen as a pastime for children. However, the advent of the internet has allowed collectors worldwide to connect and share their passion, transforming it into a mature subculture with its own rules and conventions.
Key themes in the film
- Obsession and its impact on life
- The psychological connection between collectors and their collections
- The role of subcultures in providing a sense of belonging and identity
Film Comparisons
"Living Dolls" can be compared to other documentaries like "Bronies: The Extremely Unexpected Adult Fans of My Little Pony" and "The Toys That Made Us," which also delve into the world of adult collectors and their unorthodox passions.
Noteworthy Moments
One of the most memorable moments in the film is when Michael, the animator, shares his process of transforming dolls for his robot-porn film. The scene is a stark reminder of the diverse ways in which these objects can be appreciated and repurposed.
Reviews
This documentary has garnered positive reviews for its insightful and respectful portrayal of the doll collecting subculture. Critics have praised its ability to humanize its subjects and shed light on their motivations, without resorting to mockery or judgment.
Conclusion
"Living Dolls" is an enlightening exploration of the doll collecting subculture and a compelling study of human obsession. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the human psyche and the myriad ways in which we express our passions.
More film information:
FILM SUMMARY
- IMDB score: 6.8
- Rotten Tomatoes score: N/A
- Metacritic score: N/A
- Film festival awards: 3 wins & 2 nominations
PERSONALITIES
- Debbie: A mother who spends more than her family's income on her Ellowyne doll collection.
- Mike: A man who lives with his parents and has a deep-seated love for Barbie.
- Michael: An animator who repurposes dolls for his robot-porn film.
- David: A married man who views his love dolls as a fusion of sex and art.
LOCATIONS
- The film primarily takes place in the homes of the subjects, providing an intimate glimpse into their lives and collections.
Key Questions Raised by the Film:
- What drives someone to become a collector?
- How does the hobby of doll collecting impact the lives of the collectors and those around them?
- What role does the internet play in fostering subcultures like doll collecting?
- How do these collectors view their dolls, and what emotional or psychological needs do they fulfill?
Links for Further Exploration:
I wonder what the film would be in another art form
- If this film was a famous book, which one would it be? "The Collector" by John Fowles - a chilling exploration of obsession.
- If this film was a famous song, which one would it be? "Barbie Girl" by Aqua - a playful nod to the world of dolls.
- If this film was a famous piece of art, which one would it be? "The Doll" by Hans Bellmer - a reflection of the human fascination with dolls.
- If this film was a famous celebrity, who would it be? Angelina Jolie - her extensive collection of knives mirrors the obsessions seen in the film.
- If this film was a color, which one would it be? Pink - a color often associated with dolls, particularly Barbie.
- If this film was a music style, which one would it be? Pop - the documentary's subjects each have a unique, pop-culture-related obsession.
