The Idea Of Manhood

The Idea Of Manhood is a provocative independent drama released in 2018. Directed by Serge Kushnier and featuring stellar performances by Karl Bury, Jeremy Kushnier, and Elizabeth Masucci, the movie delicately treads the intricate territory of modern masculinity. It's a film that resonates with the time, dealing with subjects that are raw, real, and have a universal appeal.

The film tells the story of two old friends, Sandy and Boney, played by Karl Bury and Jeremy Kushnier respectively. Both protagonists undertake a journey, not physically, but psychologically, exploring their own perceptions of manhood and what it means to them. This exploration takes place over the span of a weekend while they are both in the city to attend an old buddy's wedding.

Sandy is presented as a self-absorbed man who views his masculinity in terms of his relationships with women. He conforms to the conventional understanding and expectations of being a "player", entering into multiple, often meaningless relationships without any intention of long-term commitments.

This notion is juxtaposed with the character of Boney, an aspiring writer, who epitomizes the concept of the sensitive modern man. He's a living contradiction to Sandy, valuing his relationships deeply, being monogamous, and treating his partners with respect.

Throughout the film, these two different perspectives of manhood are meticulously explored via a series of dialogues and interactions between Sandy and Boney. These conversations are punctuated by the undercurrents of struggle, frustration, and emotional turmoil defining some of the classic male stereotypes.

In addition to the protagonists, the female perspective is also handled judiciously. Elizabeth Masucci's role is noteworthy in this regard. Through her character, the film casts light on female experiences and interpretations of the modern man's manifestation of masculinity. It highlights her struggle to sift through the superficiality that men like Sandy depict to discover what lies beneath the surface.

The Idea Of Manhood effectively raises questions about the role of men in today’s society, the complexities and subtleties of relationships, and the pressures of living up to societal standards. It questions the traditional concepts of masculinity and showcases the contest between the swinging pendulum of modern masculinity - on one side, emotional, sensitive, introspective men, and on the other, the charm of being the quintessential ladies’ man.

There is a kind of raw realism ringing in every frame of the film. By using a more conversational approach, the movie immerses the viewer in the narrative, almost making us feel like a third character in the room. The dialogues do not shy from delving into the deepest corners of the characters' minds, unveiling their insecurities and contemplations about personal relationships, identity, and self-expectation.

Director Serge Kushnier crafts an environment rich with these introspections. Using close quarters and intimate settings, a sense of surrounding space is created, where the characters’ dialogues and silences fill the frame in equal measures. The director's focus on intricate reactions, meaningful glances, and pregnant silences works wonders for the storytelling.

Besides its powerful narrative, the movie also excels in terms of cinematography. The cityscape shots beautifully contrast with the interior scenes, allowing an exterior view of a world beyond the one the protagonists are trying to understand within their hotel room.

The Idea Of Manhood is an exploration of the understanding of masculinity in the contemporary world. The movie, through its layered narrative, sophisticated performances, and adept handling of complex issues, opens up a dialogue about how men perceive themselves and their roles, and how these perceptions impact their relationships and their worldview.

A poignant film that offers no concrete answers, but rather leaves viewers with introspective questions, The Idea Of Manhood is a deeply engaging discourse on modern masculinity. It is a thoughtful and essential contribution to the ongoing conversation of how society defines, or should define, what it means to be a man in today’s world.