NAKED. A life modelling film about life.
It documents three life models (one man and two women) who pose naked for the artist Róisín Cunningham. In the opening sequence, they demonstrate what life modelling is like for us by posing nude for the artist. Róisín interviews them in a studio afterwards and they talk about what it's like to be a life model. They describe the experience of standing naked in front of strangers; the challenge of posing for long periods of time; how they got into modelling. What is a model's state of mind like when he/she poses naked? Does she focus on a point on the wall? Does she meditate? Does she ever make eye contact with the artist, or speak with him? How does the male gaze make a woman feel? How does the female gaze make a man feel? The models also discuss body image.
Is a life drawing of a model more authentic than the images of models in the media?
Kennedy’s intention for the documentary was to document life modelling with a feature film.
Highlight of NAKED: Watch the documentary and you will see the male gaze and the female gaze side by side for the first time in the history of cinema. This happens at the end of NAKED. The male gaze is shown as Dylan draws the female models naked. The female gaze is shown as the female models Kate and Izabella draw Dylan naked. What is the difference between the way men look at women naked, and the way women look at men naked? If you watch the ending closely, you will see that there is a difference.
Critical response
NAKED has received critical acclaim from Film Ireland magazine. Film critic June Butler, who is an artist herself, wrote: “ Director Edward Kennedy has beautifully rendered a most imaginative take on life models who tell their stories – provoking the same questions of each as they are asked the reasons behind embarking on such a career... Director Edward Kennedy has directed a wonderfully, enlightened documentary. In all, NAKED is just exquisite and truly worth watching. It is what a documentary should look like when it has grown up.”
The full review by June Butler can be read here in Film Ireland magazine.
NAKED
Available to buy or rent.
What people are saying.
“You know what I’m gonna say - this is bloody brilliant - a must watch !!!”
— Sharron Bambury
“Great documentary. Great insight into everything connected with Life Modelling. Really admire the honesty of the models. Thank you to everyone involved.”
— David Flynn
“Best movie ever...”
— Shandre Moses
“Director Edward Kennedy has directed a wonderfully, enlightened documentary.”
— June Butler, Film Ireland
“This movie was amazing”
— Tori Adibe
