My Own Man

My Own Man is a thought-provoking documentary from 2014, directed by David Sampliner. The movie is not just about the filmmaker himself but also an engaging exploration of the masculine identity as a whole. The movie stands out because it admits that men, too, can feel self-doubt and vulnerability in a world where men are socialized to always appear self-reliant and confident.

In this deeply personal and intimate work, Sampliner records his journey of self-discovery. The film begins when Sampliner and his wife are waiting for their first child, who is a boy. This news forces the director to confront his deep-seated insecurities about his masculinity.

He introspects on his upbringing, which he perceives as an absence of masculine role models. Growing up, he always felt out of place in traditional male environments and group dynamics. Feeling that he is not 'man enough,' he embarks on a quest to reinvent himself as a 'tougher' version of himself. He hopes to become someone who will be a suitable father figure for his soon-to-be-born son.

To remold himself, Sampliner undertakes a series of masculine activities that reside within his perception of masculinity. From voice lessons to hunting trips, the efforts strive to capture stereotypical male characteristics. The film showcases these attempts with honesty and humor that endear viewers to Sampliner's plight. Beneath this light-heartedness, however, is a serious inquiry into what constitutes the essence of being a man, particularly in contemporary society.

Sampliner's father and brother also appear in the movie, which offers a generational insight into the expectations and pressures placed on men. The documentary becomes a family portrait, wherein each man struggles with male identity and societal norms in his own way. These familial dynamics provide a deeper insight into the ethos of masculinity and how it impacts relationships within the family.

As the story progresses, the viewer witnesses that Sampliner's pursuit of masculinity in its stereotypical sense doesn't necessarily succeed in making him feel more confident or fully prepared for fatherhood. Instead, it leads him to question the rampant narratives of what it means to be 'masculine.' The real quest becomes understanding and, ultimately, accepting his own unique version of manhood.

My Own Man offers an eye-opening view of masculinity, often overlooked in popular culture, set against the landscape of contemporary, urban America. The documentary is not only about a man's personal journey but also a commentary on the societal expectations and pressures that shape and often confine male identity. The film vehemently challenges the template of traditional masculinity, making space for a broader and more comprehensive concept of manhood.

Visually, the film benefits from Sampliner's proficient use of digital cinematography. The stylized montages of New York City's life paired with moments of natural beauty during the hunting trips offer a compelling contrast that enriches the context of Sampliner's journey.

Overall, My Own Man is an endearing, charming, and profound documentary. Sampliner's honesty, vulnerability, and humor resonate with viewers from all walks of life, making it relatable far beyond individuals experiencing similar quests for masculinity.

In essence, My Own Man scrutinizes societal notions of what it means to be a man and creating a thought-provoking discussion on masculinity. It demonstrates that manhood is not a one-size-fits-all concept, but a diverse, nuanced spectrum created by personal experiences, relationships, and individual values. This is a film that prompts viewers to ponder their understanding of what it means to be a "man" in today's world.