On Becoming a Man
On Becoming a Man

Movie spotlight

On Becoming a Man

1975
Movie
20 min
English

On the occasion of his 21st birthday, Paul Wong walks southwest from his mother’s house at St. Catherines St. to the Quebec St. home of Kenneth Fletcher. Most remarkable about this video is not its careful camera work (shot entirely from a moving vehicle), but the driving that allowed for it – a feat that brings to mind the complementary (and collaborative) relationship between the shooter and the driver. On Becoming a Man was also the title of Paul’s 1995 solo exhibition at the National Gallery of Canada.

Insights

Director: Unknown (Documentary)Genres: Documentary, Social

Plot Summary

This documentary explores the societal pressures and expectations placed upon young men as they transition into adulthood during the mid-1970s. It features interviews and observations, delving into themes of masculinity, identity, and the challenges faced in navigating personal and societal roles. The film examines how cultural norms shaped the concept of manhood and the often-conflicting paths individuals were encouraged to take. It provides a candid look at the formative experiences of young men in a specific historical context.

Critical Reception

As a documentary from 1975 with limited distribution, specific critical reception is difficult to pinpoint. However, films of this nature often garnered attention for their social commentary and willingness to address potentially controversial or overlooked aspects of societal development. It likely resonated with audiences interested in sociological studies and discussions on gender roles.

What Reviewers Say

  • Offers a thought-provoking examination of male identity formation.

  • Provides valuable historical insight into gender expectations of the era.

  • May be perceived as dated by contemporary standards but remains a significant social document.

Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this particular documentary is not readily available.

Fun Fact

Due to its niche subject matter and release era, 'On Becoming a Man' is considered a rather obscure documentary, making detailed historical data scarce.

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