Modify

R4 DVD

Stomp Visual 2006

Website: http://www.modifythemovie.com

Modify is a mind expanding experience. It is one long journey into the world of body modification and the sub culture related to it. Rather than simply talk about body modification it allows the practitioners to speak for themselves and offers some truly amazing, even confronting images. Modify covers tattooing, piercing, scarification, plastic surgery, body-building, gender illusion, sex change surgery and much more. While some would find Modify confronting and even repugnant, in many ways it is an affirmation of the individuals right to be comfortable within their own skin and express themselves how they see fit.

Filmmakers Jason Gary and Greg Jacobson have set out to create a definitive study of body modification and this film certain explores some interesting territory and offers some amazing footage. By allowing individuals to speak for themselves we get a first hand experience of the modifications involved and are introduced to some 50 different body mods throughout the film. Other sections include discussions of the legal aspects, health, religion and discrimination.

At times I did find the constant use of graphic footage took away from the explorations of the subject at hand, so while it was interesting to see a three quarter sub incision of someone’s penis, I would have also be interested in hearing more about what it meant to the person involved, possible health risks, what happens when such surgeries go wrong and so on.

Even with the gender reassignment, the focus was on the surgery with no real information given about the very complex psychological and hormonal preparations that a transgendered patient goes through before getting to this stage. Too often Modify seems more intent on entertainment and even shocking its audience than truly educating them.

The soundtrack was impressive, offering over forty specially recorded songs from young artists and while it was great to have them gain some exposure, again the emphasis on “putting on a show” rather than really engaging with the subject seemed to be evident. Lots of hard rock, lots of graphic footage and less than enough real content. There was such potential in this subject yet at times it seemed to be reduced to the level of a freakshow or circus.

This is certainly an enthusiasts film and while there is nothing wrong with that, 85 minutes of graphic footage with not too much reflection left me feeling more than a bit jaded.