A Global Exploration of the Body Image Standard Throughout History
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ABSTRACT
Through a kaleidoscope of historical and cultural lenses, Shape traces the ever-shifting standards of beauty and body image across time, urging viewers to challenge societal norms and embrace a more authentic and compassionate view of their bodies.
Shape is an experimental documentary montage that uses rapid animation to juxtapose examples of the "ideal" body from different times and cultures, featuring recognizable historical figurines, figures, and celebrities to resonate across ages while counteracting the negative impacts modern media can have on self-image.
Director's Statement:
Growing up, I was captivated by the stories told through art, theater, and film—stories that often reflected societal ideals and shaped how we see ourselves. Watching superhero films and comparing myself to models and celebrities gave me idols to look up to, but it was a double-edged sword. It can be a dangerous game, creating an unhealthy self-image when we inevitably fall short of those comparisons.
Shape was born from my fascination with these ideals and how they have shifted throughout history, as well as my own journey of grappling with body image and self-perception. This film became a way to explore the narratives we inherit and challenge the ones that no longer serve us.
When conceptualizing the experimental film that eventually became Shape, I initially wanted to focus on the dangers of both overeating and undereating, as I have personally experienced and struggled with both. I aimed to connect with audiences by conveying the idea that your body is fine as it is. Originally, I planned for the film to be live-action, featuring separate actors to represent these experiences. However, as I stripped the message down to its core, I realized the film was ultimately about body image and the societal pressures to conform to idealized body shapes perpetuated by modern media.
As the project evolved, I became open to the idea of using found footage. The film shifted into being completely composed of juxtaposed images, allowing me to explore ideal body standards across different times and cultures. Expanding my research into the film’s visuals gave the original message of body acceptance a clearer yet more playful and less heavy-handed approach.
Shape is both a critique and a celebration—a critique of societal pressures that shape how we see ourselves and a celebration of the resilience and individuality that emerge when we break free from these molds. It is my hope that this film inspires viewers to reflect, question, and ultimately embrace a more compassionate and authentic view of themselves and others.
FAQ
Shape was crafted from September to December 2024 for a Radical workshop class at the Rochester Institute of Technology.
All of the images in the film were sourced from the internet through Google and museum websites, etc.
All of the images were cropped and isolated in Adobe Photoshop.
The entire film was edited and animated in Adobe Premiere Pro. No animation software was used.
Special Thanks
Professor Christine A. Banna
Juliet Royster
Professor Dave Sluberski
Scout Brandes
Lindsey Hecker
The Royster Family
Radical Cinema Workshop Fall 2024
Licenses
texturelabs.org
pixabay.com
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