TW: Suicide, addiction, illness
Men, we need to talk!
November isn't just the month of fall storms and grey days, it's also the month of moustaches - It's Movember.
Started in 2003 as an Australian fundraising campaign in which men grow a moustache (short: Mo) over November to raise funds for research and prevention of prostate cancer and other men's health issues, November has now established itself worldwide as Men's Health Awareness Month.
But why is it necessary to draw attention to men's health at all?
Because most men don't do it themselves.
The antiquated role model of the “stronger sex” prevents men from talking about their health and psychological problems. With grave consequences:
- Men are 35% more likely to die from cancer, but only 40% take advantage of cancer screening services.
- Men are significantly more likely to be overweight.
- Men are three times more likely to be addicted to alcohol or drugs and account for 80% of alcohol and drug deaths.
- 4 out of 5 suicides are committed by men.
- 3 out of 4 missing adults are men.
Men feel pain too.
Men emote, perceive, grieve, doubt, freeze, suffer, are afraid.
It's time for society to accept this!
It's time for men to accept this!
It's time for change!
And we wouldn't be KiK if we didn't have the right films for you covering such a serious and important topic:
The Iron Claw (2023)
Sean Durkin's gripping biopic portrays the infamous Von Erich wrestling clan. An incredibly strong cast, including Holt McCallany, Harris Dickinson and Jeremy Allen White give their all in and outside of the ring, but the absolute highlight and surprise hit is Zac Efron, who delivers the performance of his career as Kevin Von Erich. It's best to watch The Iron Claw without any prior knowledge and have some tissues ready. Streamable via WOW.
Lars and the Real Girl (2007)
Years before Drive, The Place Beyond The Pines and Barbie (which we're playing this semester!), Ryan Reynolds had proven what he's made of - as Lars, a resident of a small town in rural Wisconsin. He likes to withdraw into his literal shell. This changes abruptly when he falls in love - with “Bianca”, a sex doll he ordered online. But Lars thinks she's real and a really great gal. The rest of the village wants to support the loner - and takes part in the fantasy. Unfortunately, you can't stream this charming and moving dramedy, but you can buy or rent it from almost all providers.
The Fall (2006)
Lee Pace has already wowed audiences as pie maker Ned in Pushing Daisies, but his portrayal of a suicidal stuntman in Tarsem's optical smash hit The Fall remains some of his finest work to date. In a Californian hospital in the 1920s, Roy Walker tells little Alexandria fairy tales - and regains some courage to face life. After years on proverbial ice, the film is finally streamable via MUBI.
Good Will Hunting (1997)
Of course, we have only just shown Gus Van Sant's masterpiece from Matt Damon and Ben Affleck's quills as part of our Filme-fürs-Leben-Festival. But if you missed that or just can't get enough of the troubled math genius Will and therapist of our hearts Sean (the formidable Robin Williams), you can stream the movie via Arthaus+.
50/50 (2011)
We're sticking with a good, solid bromance: this dramedy with a gonna-make-you-cry-guarantee comes from the mind of Will Reiser, frequent collaborateur of everyone's favorite stoner Seth Rogen. Here, Reiser recounts his cancer ordeal, which Adam (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) suffers through in the movie. Between his crumbling job, his neurotic mother and his flighty girlfriend, Adam's only rock is, for better or worse, his immature chum Kyle (Rogen, basically playing himself). The film's secret highlight is Anna Kendrick as Adam's therapist, who is fresh out of university and discreetly out of her depth. Unfortunately, the movie is currently only available for purchase, but the chances of it being worth it are better than 50/50.
The Art of Negative Thinking (2006)
Geirr has been paralyzed since an accident, is impotent and needs a stairlift. And that pisses him off. And he lets everyone know. Unfortunately for his wife Ingvild, he now spends his time watching war films, listening to Johnny Cash, drinking, smoking weed and, above all, feeling sorry for himself. In a last-ditch attempt to save him and their marriage, Ingvild invites a self-help group of disabled people to her home, complete with a therapist brimming with optimism. But a certified pisshead like Geirr also manages to blow up this group, which bathes in superficial optimism and loses itself in self-conditioning phrases, in no time at all, until everyone's nerves are on edge - but at the same time all feelings are finally honestly put on the table. This bitter, black-humoured Norwegian feel-bad comedy is available to stream on Netflix.
Knockin' on Heaven's Door (1997)
Fancy something serene? Martin and Rudi are going to die sooner rather than later - one with a tumour the size of a tennis ball in his head, the other with terminal bone cancer. Two young men who couldn't be more different are waiting to die in the dreariness of a hospice room. Until a bottle of tequila comes into play and, drunk out of their minds, they decide to see the sea one (first and) last time. No sooner said than done - they steal a car and head for the coast. Unfortunately, however, it belongs to a couple of gangsters who want it back and, above all, the contents of the boot. Hunted by police and criminals, the film develops into a refreshingly un-German German road movie. Sadly, the film is not available digitally anywhere and you will have to buy the DVD.
The Whale (2022)
The break with his wife and daughter because of his love for a man and the suicide of the same man broke Charlie. To cope with his grief and the accompanying depression, he started eating and hasn't stopped since. Isolated from the world, now weighing almost 300 kilograms and facing death, his only wish is to reconcile with his estranged daughter. Brendan Fraser's comeback as Charlie rightly earned him the Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role. Unfortunately, you can't stream this moving drama for free, but you can buy or rent it from almost all providers.
All of Us Strangers (2023)
In the cinema’s best kept secret of the year, Andrew Scott falls in love with Paul Mescal and is confronted with the ghosts of his past. Or as our Letterboxd leader Lukas sums it up: 😭. You can stream All of Us Strangers on Disney+.
Aftersun (2022)
Paul Mescal again! In Charlotte Wells' semi-autobiographical drama, he plays Calum, who became father to Sophie at a very young age and tries to maintain a cheerful façade while on vacation in Turkey with his daughter. However, cracks start appearing in summer paradise. We first screened the film in spring, you can catch it on MUBI.
Moonlight (2016)
This film has also already been shown here this year, but the coming-of-age drama about Chiron is worth seeing again and again - not least because of the absolutely justified Oscar-winning performance by Mahershala Ali, our second favorite film mentor after Robin Williams. This film is also available on MUBI (we are not sponsored by them, we swear).
Kramer vs Kramer (1979)
To fully savor the father-son motif, it's always worth looking back at Kramer vs Kramer. Dustin Hoffman plays the uber career man Ted, who has to abruptly come to terms with his fatherly duties when his wife Joanna (Meryl Streep in her breakthrough role) leaves him. What begins as a tedious overload develops into an emotional story with a still progressive attitude towards men's parental rights. You can stream the film for free in German dubbing on Pluto-Tv.
Ted Lasso (2020- )
The footballers of underdog club Richmond F.C. are less than thrilled when they are introduced to their new coach: The titular Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis), an American who is not particularly familiar with either the local rules of the sport or British customs. However, his sunny can-do attitude gradually earns the respect of not only the boys on the pitch and the fans, but also of club owner Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham). This hit with audiences can be streamed on Apple+. KiK editors' favorite: Phil Dunphy as arrogant but surprisingly profound star player Jamie Tartt.
Bojack Horseman (2014-2020)
In a world where anthropomorphic creatures and humans live together, Bojack Horseman (Will Arnett) was once a celebrated sitcom star. However, he has since become quite worn out and depressed, sharing his fancy hut with Todd (Aaron Paul), who is barely more socially functional than he is. The animated series developed into a surprise hit of the 2010s and is now considered a, pardon the pun, prime stud of male mental health representation. You can catch up on this future classic on Netflix.
Mr Robot (2015-2019)
The role of the mentally disturbed hacker Elliot gave Rami Malek his big break - and rightly so! In a total of four seasons, not merely the order of the world, but Elliot's sanity is at stake. Neither the machinations of the anarchist group fsociety, the multinational E Corp nor the psychotic hallucinations of our protagonist are for the faint-hearted. You can buy or rent the series from all streaming providers.
Control (2007)
The film about Joy Division singer Ian Curtis is a sombre affair based on the dreary Manchester setting alone, but Sam Riley inimitably portrays Curtis' notorious epileptic fits, agonizing depression and increasing despair in the face of growing success and a failing marriage. Without a doubt one of the best biopics out there, painstakingly beautifully shot by Anton Corbijn, who accompanied the band as a photographer in their brief heyday.
You can take solace in the fact that Control is streamable through the Amazon Arthaus Channel and that Mr Riley and national treasure Alexandra Maria Lara met and fell in love during filming and are still happily married.
Possum (2018)
For those who prefer something a little niche and gruesome, Matthew Holness’ directorial debut might be it. Puppeteer Philip returns to his childhood home and has to confront the traumas of his childhood. This is superbly played by Sean Harris, one of the most underrated actors on the market. Warning: Not for arachnophobes. Available to rent or buy via Google Play.
Patton Oswalt: Annihilation (2017)
Something for the laugh muscles? Patton Oswalt undoubtedly delivers that in his special, even if he works with material that hardly seems like it: in 2016, his wife Michelle dies suddenly and unexpectedly. Oswalt talks with a lot of humor and heart about how he copes with this loss and his role as the single father of their daughter - and thus takes the loneliness out of grief. You can stream Annihilation on Netflix.
