Who Farted?

Who Farted? is a unique and audacious documentary film from Canada released in 2019 that is replete with humor, eccentricity, and factual information. It is directed by the controversial yet creative Albert Nerenberg, who is often renowned for his quirky take on documentary subjects that are typically left unexplored by mainstream cinema. This film is full-length and full of surprises with a run time clocking in at an 85 minutes that keeps the viewers hooked till the end screen.

The movie borrows its title from the universal question asked in awkward public situations, "Who Farted?" It is a statement that evokes not only intrigue but also connotations of embarrassment, poop jokes, and an uncanny form of humor that is both essential and hilarious. Enter Albert Nerenberg, whose knack for making engaging, funny, and thought-provoking films is unparalleled. Nerenberg explores an area long considered taboo to discuss in polite company: flatulence.

The film stars Mr. Methane, who has carved a niche for himself as a ""flatulist,"" or a professional farter. He incorporates humor, comic timing, and even musical tunes into what would ordinarily be a malodorous subject. His charismatic screen presence and distinctive talent and humor add real wind to the sails of this extraordinary documentary.

Also starring in the documentary is Matthew Silver, known for his performance art persona that reflects the extraordinary through his street and internet performances. Silver's unconventional approach to comedy, combined with Nerenberg’s unique take on the subject, pushes the boundaries of a typical documentary and transports it into an engaging realm of comic realism that often relies heavily on slapstick humor and social commentary.

One may be led to believe that "Who Farted?" is just a quirky comedy, but it does have a substantive environmental premise. The film investigates whether human farts contribute to the percentage of methane emissions that contribute to climate change. Without resorting to scare tactics or doomsday predictions, the movie explores the impact of flatulence on the environment, thereby leaving the audience both laughing heartily and giving a thought to their daily routines.

Nerenberg is known to incorporate extensive research into his projects, as seen here as well. He digs deep into the history of flatulence, the social stigma attached to farting, and even the varied perceptions and attitudes towards flatulence held across different cultures and societies worldwide. The documentary is full of hilarious comic sketches, re-enactments, and interviews with professionals and experts, including chemists, doctors, and psychologists, which give new insights into a subject that’s usually ignored, perhaps even suppressed, in everyday conversations.

The film also invites us to reconsider the societal norms and conventions associated with flatulence. It posits that there could be both physical and psychological benefits of being freer with our wind – less "uptight" you could say. This thought-provoking question serves as the subtle backbone of the film’s narrative, designed to keep the viewers mulling over it long after watching the film.

"Who Farted?" treads the paths that no film has ever dared to traverse. It challenges social taboos through its audacious storytelling and breaks the barriers of a conventional documentary film. Guaranteed to make you laugh, squirm and think, it’s a film you’re unlikely to forget, and – with the unavoidable pun – it’s fair to say that Albert Nerenberg’s "Who Farted?" truly breaks wind in the realm of cinema.