What does it mean to be a man? That question has been asked by everyone from anthropologists and sociologists to your literal average joe. "Mansome" looks at this age-old topic from the perspective of the modern trend in male grooming, and by that I mean the recent pop-culture awareness of centuries-old male grooming.
Documentarian Morgan Spurlock has always been fascinated by certain cultures, so to speak, and in exploring several characters that are either employed by or at least somewhat preoccupied with the male aesthetic, he attempts to uncover some truths about how men feel about their appearance and how the appearance of men matters in society. He even turns the camera on himself as a mustache-wearer to understand the significance of facial hair.
The subject matter warrants a more open conversation just considering the taboo of men openly discussing the connection they feel between their bodies and their self-esteem. At the same time, Spurlock comes at it with too wide a lens; "Mansome" would work much better as a series of 45 to 60 minute documentaries on each of the "sections" he covers: mustaches, beards, hair, body hair, the face, etc.
As he does so well, Spurlock finds great subjects to follow in each category, people unaware that the microscope is on them psychologically as people as much as it is their facial hair or whatever category of grooming they fall under. We see people with egos, pure narcissists and people more honest about the superficiality of it all.
Between sections of the film we are presented with light bits between Will Arnett and Jason Bateman at a day spa discussing nothing of any true relevance to the big picture of the documentary. In fact, it feels as though the "Arrested Development" stars are acting as the public perception of themselves, not just being themselves, and the whole thing comes across as Spurlock using his Hollywood clout to bring some attention to his film.
"Mansome" also beefs up its resume with interviews featuring Judd Apatow, Paul Rudd, Zach Galifianakis and other notable personalities who can offer amusing insights into "manscaping." Although hearing more from the experts Spurlock interviews would probably bring more depth to the plots of the many subjects of the film, they help with the film's entertainment factor in a way few docs can.
Ultimately, the film raises a lot of interesting questions but never gets the chance to follow through on any of them. The gears will start turning for viewers who have never considered the topic, but there's nothing mind-altering to be found. The most that can be gleaned is that men take grooming with varying degrees of seriousness, and their choice to do so can either be considered highly unnecessary or liberating.
~Steven C
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