Last week I posted a review about a DVD release for a documentary entitled Breasts: A Documentary. In case you missed that one, I mentioned that the film was first brought to my attention by an interview I heard with the director, Meema Spadola, on David Lee Roth's now defunct morning radio talk show. For my thoughts on that film I would have to direct you back to my earlier review. This time around however, I wish to bring to your attention a companion documentary by the same director, Private Dicks: Men Exposed. I wanted to review this film for a couple of reasons. First and foremost it shares the same reasoning I had for the previous documentary in that I was more interested in the psychological discussions than the opportunity to see (in that case) bare breasts. Secondly, I had also promised to review it to prove that point. Obviously I didn’t want to watch this film in order to see exposed penises. (At least I hope that is obvious by pointing out that I have a wife and two children… and no 'secret life' to speak of…).

The idea behind Private Dicks: Men Exposed, was to offer an opportunity for several men to discuss their personal experiences (such as when they lost their virginity), most of which agreeing to be interviewed in the nude. Again, like the previous documentary, the baring of one's privates is supposed to be akin to baring one's soul. It also shares the style of having some clips from some very old sex education films and cartoons interweaved throughout the interviews. But where the film differs somewhat is evident by the title. This one is called Private Dicks: Men Exposed. Why not Penises: A Documentary?

This isn’t meant as a detrimental question, but more one that points out the differences between men and women (at least the area of the generalities as they are perceived by most), as do some of the questions and overall attitude. Men are a different lot, whether they by gay, straight or transsexual. The way they feel about their penises (emotionally, you little perverts…) is quite different than how women feel about their breasts. And it is this strong psychological difference that makes both of these films great to watch one right after the other.

But getting back to the subject at hand (don't say it…), even on its own Private Dicks: Men Exposed is a great documentary feature. Spadola, and co-director Thom Powes choose to interview a wide variety of men ranging in ages 17 to over 70. This variety includes a paraplegic, a couple of transsexuals (both female to male and male to female), and even a porn star (whose interview clips many of you guys might rather skip over…). All are incredibly willing to open up and answer the questions, though not all are up to the challenge of taking off their clothes.

Interestingly enough, one of the reasons I feel that a documentary like this is even more important than its companion piece also lies with another main difference between men and women. Women (at least many of the ones I know) are more willing to talk to each other about their breasts (and most emotional experiences) than men. They learn from one another, for better or worse and at least have an outlet for their emotions. (Keep in mind this is a generality on my part). Men, on the other hand, don’t tend to talk about their feelings or private parts with other men (at least, thankfully again, the ones I know). Their insecurities are usually kept inside, their questions about the opposite sex (and I guess in some way, the same sex) go unanswered.

Private Dicks: Men Exposed offers guys a chance to hear from other men, and perhaps answer some questions they might have always had. And for you homophobes, I'm not just talking about the lives of gay men, but those of the aforementioned paraplegic. But if you’re at all like me and have any interest in the psychology of the average person, male or female, especially on subjects that are not necessarily easy to broach, then both of these documentaries are for you.

The DVD for Private Dicks: Men Exposed also includes an interview with the directors as well as an interview with Alan Abel, who is a professional trickster. He wormed his way into the interviews posing as 'Bruce', a man with supposedly a very small penis.

Oh, and by the way… some of you guys who commented that the last review didn’t offer any screen shots… go ahead… ask for some here…

Directed by: Meema Spadola & Thom Powers
Extras: Interview with Filmmakers, Interview with Trickster Alan Abel
Specifications: Full Screen
Studio: First Run Features
Release Date: 4/25/2006
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give Private Dicks: A Documentary an A.