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Mansome

Name: Mansome
Director: Morgan Spurlock
Released: 2012
Duration: 84 min

Representation Score

7.8/10

Good

2012

PG-13

Director

Morgan Spurlock

Runtime

84 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Mansome offers a moderate exploration of identity that disrupts traditional gender clichés. By examining modern masculinity through consumerism and aesthetics, it moves beyond static definitions of manhood. The documentary achieves a global perspective by including subjects from South Korea and the UK, preventing it from appearing purely Western-centric. However, the film lacks deep multi-layered engagement. It does not provide significant representation for the disability community and does not center LGBTQ+ narratives as a primary structural driver.

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Category Breakdown

Does Mansome have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film focuses mainly on the grooming habits of cisgender males rather than highlighting stories centered around LGBTQ+ individuals. While it explores various forms of masculinity, it does not specifically prioritize LGBTQ+ identities.

How does Mansome portray gender?

Good

The documentary breaks down rigid ideas of traditional masculinity by presenting it as a dynamic, evolving concept. It avoids the singular, stoic ideal of manliness in favor of a more nuanced and multifaceted portrayal.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Mansome?

Good

By featuring subjects from South Korea and the UK, the film avoids a purely Anglo-centric viewpoint. This international casting presents masculinity as a global phenomenon rather than a localized one.

How does Mansome represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film subtly critiques how capitalist marketing creates social pressures related to identity. It maintains a secular, observational approach to the cultural practices of the grooming industry.

Does Mansome include disability representation?

Limited

There is no meaningful or central representation for individuals with visible or invisible disabilities. The narrative remains focused on the aesthetic aspects of grooming within the general population.

Present on Screen

Deconstructs rigid, traditional hierarchies of masculinity through a dynamic, performative lens.
Provides a globalized perspective by including diverse subjects from South Korea and the UK.
Offers a thoughtful critique of how capitalist marketing shapes modern identity and grooming habits.

Limited or Absent

Lacks meaningful or central representation for individuals with visible or invisible disabilities.
Does not actively prioritize or center specific LGBTQ+ or non-cisgender narratives.
Focus remains largely on cisgender male grooming rather than deep multi-layered identities.

Official Synopsis

From America's greatest beardsman, to Morgan Spurlock's own mustache, Executive Producers Will Arnett, Jason Bateman, and Ben Silverman bring us a hilarious look at men's identity in the 21st century. Models, actors, experts and comedians weigh in on what it is to be a man in a world where the definition of masculinity has become as diverse as a hipster's facial hair in Williamsburg. The hilarious follicles of men's idiosyncratic grooming habits are thoroughly combed over as men finally take a long hard look in the mirror.

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