For too long cinema has been dominated by the male gaze. An insightful and revealing documentary feature, BODY PARTS shows the evolution of desire and “sex” on-screen from a female perspective––allowing women to reclaim the parts of themselves that have been objectified and exploited for decades.
Illuminating the closely-held secrets of a tight-lipped industry still ruled by capitalism, patriarchy, and white supremacy, BODY PARTS uncovers the often invisible processes involved in creating intimacy for mainstream American film and television, the toll these scenes exact on those directly involved, and the
impact on women and girls in the real world. The documentary features courageous and candid interviews with actors and creators who are advocating for real change, including Jane Fonda, Rosanna Arquette, Joey Soloway, Angela Robinson, Karyn Kusama, Rose McGowan, Alexandra Billings, Emily Meade, and David Simon. It highlights the voices of women like Sarah Scott and Sarah Tither-Kaplan who bravely spoke out against abusive behavior on their sets, were punished for it, and who helped spark
lasting improvements at major studios, including the groundbreaking introduction of intimacy coordinators.
Director Kristy Guevara-Flanagan and producer Helen Hood Scheer deftly pair these interviews with clips from Hollywood’s archives, verite scenes that immerse audiences into lesser-known aspects of filmmaking, and reenactments that poignantly illustrate the emotional resonance of this sensitive topic.
BODY PARTS examines the damage that has been done and shines a light on creators who are centering on women’s points of view and the positive changes rippling through the entertainment industry as it grapples with remedy and redemption.
