TOXIC

breaking the barriers of ‘masculinity’

mark watson
EJ Johnson
elena karagianniS
jessica KlingelfuSS
JuStin Baldoni
al freeman
HARRY STYLES
from
 the
editor
S
omething that is extremely harmful or
unpleasant in a pervasive or insidious
way or a behaviour that adds negativity
and upset, this is what the word toxic means,
we aim to redefine things that have been
considered 'toxic.' The word toxic has negative
connotations, this magazine aims to take
negative subjects and flip them on their heads.
Toxic magazine looks to unpack a range of
social issues that have been considered some-
what 'toxic' at some point in history. Some of
these issues are still at the forefront of our
society today and need to be combated. Gaining
the unique views of a wide range of people,
finding out what 'blank' means to them.
We aim to reduce the stigma and negativity
towards particular social groups and topics,
whilst opening the eyes of those who are less
educated around topics which have sparked
controversy or toxicity over the years. We rede-
fine terms in the words of those who have been
affected by them the most!
This issue of Toxic focuses on breaking down
the barriers of 'masculinity'. A collection of
viewpoints on what masculinity is, was and what
it has evolved into in recent years. Targeting the
masculine stereotype looking at how individuals
have started to challenge the norm and rede-
fine masculinity in terms of the 21st century.
Gathering the views of those within and outside
the looking glass.
 06
ContentS
15 Fighting for self-expression - Umesh Bhagcha
19 Real man catalogue - Jack Daly
20 Time to cut the act – Mark Watson
25 A big bunch of dicks – Al Freeman
Harry Styles –
The future of fashion 26 Interview with Justin Baldoni
Elena Karagiannis
29 Men and mental health – Joseph Harper

30
Tom Holland -
A new type
of hero
Gaby Hinsliff

51
The future of masculinity:
37
41
55
10 women share
Top 10 Fims – Masculinity in movies
Combating toxic masculinity – Nathan Irvine
Overcoming steriotypes 57 Exclusive with EJ Johnson
Shelly Zalis

59
John Linear –
Expressing the
male character
in paint stokes
Jason T Major

58 Don't be toxic – Maya Salam

64 Masculinity in film – John Waters
69 Penalised for straying from the norm – David Mayer
70 Why men fight – Scott Atkinson
Sheila Jeffreys they have never anyone" and it's a Barack Obama conform to a very We have this kind of Morrie Schwartz in your own skin got. Collier Schorr women have that is
Part of a binary that makes them had the freedom to complete fallacy. All of us have to narrow and rather male pride thing. We We need to recog- comfortably. Masculinity has so powerful.
and requires its feminine or weak. question. Not communicating recognise that being two dimensional say "I can look after nise that it is okay Norman Mailer been depicted in
opposite, since, helps to kill us. a man is first and picture of maleness myself. I don’t need for boys and men Robert Webb Masculinity is not very black and white Maya Salam
Nicole Huxley
in the absence of Terrance Real foremost being a and manhood that to talk to anyone" to cry. Men in trouble are something given to terms. There never Toxic masculinity is
Man up. What a
femininity, mascu- As with intelli- Kane Lang good human. If you they have never and it's a complete often in trouble you, but something seems to be a wide what can come of
cleverly disguised
linity would have no gence, so too with Masculinity is are confident about had the freedom to fallacy. Not commu- Barack Obama precisely because you gain. And you range of emotional teaching boys that
way to say shut
meaning. behaviours–malle- bravado against your strength you question. nicating helps to All of us have to they are trying to gain it from winning definitions of men. they cannot express
up. Shut up, or
able kids live up, the mystery of the don't need to put kill us. recognise that being get a grip and act small battles with emotion openly, but
fight back, or you
Vincent D'Onofrio or down, to our universe of women. someone else down. Terrance Real a man is first and like a man. honer. Sheila Jeffreys anything other than
deserved what you
Being able to lay expectations. It's just a fear of As with intelli- Kane Lang foremost being a Part of a binary that makes them
got.
in your own skin not knowing what Andrew Cohen gence, so too with Masculinity is good human. If you Benjamin Errichetti James Hamblin and requires its feminine or weak.
comfortably. Collier Schorr women have that is Men are recog- behaviours–malle- bravado against are confident about Any ideas of what is When men seek opposite, since,
Norman Mailer Nicole Huxley
Masculinity has so powerful. nising that they able kids live up, the mystery of the your strength you manly or masculine control and don't in the absence of
Masculinity is not Man up. What a
Robert Webb been depicted in have been forced to or down, to our universe of women. don't need to put are purely socially archive it, we can femininity, mascu-
something given to cleverly disguised
Men in trouble are very black and white Maya Salam conform to a very expectations. It's just a fear of someone else down. constructed and resent and hate. linity would have no
you, but something way to say shut
often in trouble terms. There never Toxic masculinity is narrow and rather not knowing what not based on any Toxic masculinity meaning.
you gain. And you up. Shut up, or
precisely because seems to be a wide what can come of two dimensional Collier Schorr women have that is Andrew Cohen inherent nature of sets expectations
gain it from winning fight back, or you
they are trying to range of emotional teaching boys that picture of maleness Masculinity has so powerful. Men are recog- man. that prime us for Vincent D'Onofrio
small battles with deserved what you
get a grip and act definitions of men. they cannot express and manhood that been depicted in nising that they disappointment. Being able to lay
honer. got.
like a man. emotion openly, but they have never very black and white Maya Salam have been forced to Mike Jenn in your own skin
Sheila Jeffreys anything other than had the freedom to terms. There never Toxic masculinity is conform to a very We have this kind of Morrie Schwartz comfortably.
James Hamblin Norman Mailer
Benjamin Errichetti Part of a binary that makes them question. seems to be a wide what can come of narrow and rather male pride thing. We We need to recog-
When men seek Masculinity is not
Any ideas of what is and requires its feminine or weak. range of emotional teaching boys that two dimensional say "I can look after nise that it is okay Robert Webb
control and don't something given to
manly or masculine opposite, since, Terrance Real definitions of men. they cannot express picture of maleness myself. I don’t need for boys and men Men in trouble are
archive it, we can Nicole Huxley you, but something
are purely socially in the absence of As with intelli- emotion openly, but and manhood that to talk to anyone" to cry. often in trouble
resent and hate. Man up. What a you gain. And you
constructed and femininity, mascu- gence, so too with Sheila Jeffreys anything other than they have never and it's a complete precisely because
Toxic masculinity cleverly disguised gain it from winning
not based on any linity would have no behaviours–malle- Part of a binary that makes them had the freedom to fallacy. Not commu- Barack Obama they are trying to
sets expectations way to say shut small battles with
inherent nature of meaning. able kids live up, and requires its feminine or weak. question. nicating helps to All of us have to get a grip and act
that prime us for up. Shut up, or honer.
man. or down, to our opposite, since, kill us. recognise that being like a man.
disappointment. fight back, or you Nicole Huxley
Vincent D'Onofrio expectations. in the absence of Terrance Real a man is first and
deserved what you Man up. What a James Hamblin
Mike Jenn Being able to lay femininity, mascu- As with intelli- Kane Lang foremost being a Benjamin Errichetti
Morrie Schwartz got. cleverly disguised When men seek
We have this kind in your own skin Collier Schorr linity would have no gence, so too with Masculinity is good human. If you Any ideas of what is
We need to recog- way to say shut control and don't
of male pride thing. comfortably. Masculinity has meaning. behaviours–malle- bravado against are confident about manly or masculine
nise that it is okay Norman Mailer up. Shut up, or archive it, we can
We say "I can look been depicted in able kids live up, the mystery of the your strength you are purely socially
for boys and men Masculinity is not fight back, or you resent and hate.
after myself. I don’t Robert Webb very black and white Vincent D'Onofrio or down, to our universe of women. don't need to put constructed and
to cry. something given to deserved what you Toxic masculinity
need to talk to Men in trouble are terms. There never Being able to lay expectations. It's just a fear of someone else down. not based on any
you, but something got. sets expectations
anyone" and it's a often in trouble seems to be a wide in your own skin not knowing what inherent nature of
Barack Obama you gain. And you that prime us for
complete fallacy. precisely because range of emotional comfortably. Collier Schorr women have that is Andrew Cohen man.
All of us have to gain it from winning Norman Mailer disappointment.
Not communicating they are trying to definitions of men. Masculinity has so powerful. Men are recog-
recognise that being small battles with Masculinity is not
helps to kill us. get a grip and act for boys and men Robert Webb been depicted in nising that they Mike Jenn
a man is first and honer. something given to Morrie Schwartz
like a man. to cry. Men in trouble are very black and white Maya Salam have been forced to We have this kind of
foremost being a you, but something We need to recog-
Kane Lang often in trouble terms. There never Toxic masculinity is conform to a very male pride thing. We
good human. If you James Hamblin you gain. And you nise that it is okay
Masculinity is Benjamin Errichetti Barack Obama precisely because seems to be a wide what can come of narrow and rather say "I can look after
are confident about When men seek gain it from winning for boys and men
bravado against Any ideas of what is All of us have to they are trying to range of emotional teaching boys that two dimensional myself. I don’t need
your strength you control and don't small battles with to cry.
the mystery of the manly or masculine recognise that being get a grip and act definitions of men. they cannot express picture of maleness to talk to anyone"
don't need to put archive it, we can honer.
universe of women. are purely socially a man is first and like a man. emotion openly, but and manhood that and it's a complete
someone else down. resent and hate. Barack Obama
It's just a fear of constructed and foremost being a Sheila Jeffreys anything other than they have never fallacy. Not commu-
Toxic masculinity James Hamblin All of us have to
not knowing what not based on any good human. If you Benjamin Errichetti Part of a binary that makes them had the freedom to nicating helps to
Andrew Cohen sets expectations When men seek recognise that being
women have that is inherent nature of are confident about Any ideas of what is and requires its feminine or weak. question. kill us.
Men are recog- that prime us for control and don't a man is first and
so powerful. man. your strength you manly or masculine opposite, since,
nising that they disappointment. archive it, we can Nicole Huxley foremost being a
don't need to put are purely socially in the absence of Terrance Real Kane Lang
have been forced to resent and hate. Man up. What a good human. If you
Maya Salam Mike Jenn someone else down. constructed and femininity, mascu- As with intelli- Masculinity is
conform to a very Morrie Schwartz Toxic masculinity cleverly disguised are confident about
Toxic masculinity is We have this kind not based on any linity would have no gence, so too with bravado against
narrow and rather We need to recog- sets expectations way to say shut your strength you
what can come of of male pride thing. Andrew Cohen inherent nature of meaning. behaviours–malle- the mystery of the
two dimensional nise that it is okay that prime us for up. Shut up, or don't need to put
teaching boys that We say "I can look Men are recog- man. able kids live up, universe of women.
picture of maleness for boys and men disappointment. fight back, or you someone else down.
they cannot express after myself. I don’t nising that they Vincent D'Onofrio or down, to our It's just a fear of
and manhood that to cry. deserved what you
 Elena Karagiannis

His enthusiasm for frills and flamboyance is far

from superficial – it’s redefining what it means
to be a man and the way we perceive masculinity
on his own terms, and the ways he has inspired
those to feel more comfortable, empowered
and confident.

10 11
elena karaginnis toxic – masculinity

the future of faShion

the power to free themselves from the entrapping bars
of in fact, worn dresses, makeup, and long hair for centu-
ries contradicts this very idea. In fact, the act of harshly
restricting people of different genders into extremely
different forms of outfits is relatively recent.
Harry Styles is making history in the fashion world,
Toxic masculinity certainly does not mean that men are
styling 'feminine clothing', and appearing in the
ill-natured or violent. In fact, before World War I, the
most prominent magazines. In recent years trans-
societal construct of 'pink for girls' and 'blue for boys'
ferring his freedom of expression has become one
never existed, and, for children, dresses were considered
of his primary goals, and here is how he does it.
gender-neutral. This conversation about toxic mascu-
first-ever guidelines for psychologists working with boys
and men who are socialized to conform to restricting
people of different genders into extremely different forms
of outfits is relatively recent. Toxic masculinity certainly
does not mean that men are ill-natured or violent. In fact,
before World War I, the 'traditional masculinity ideology'
– suggesting that the traditional masculinity ideology
can hinder men and boys from exploring what it means
to be a man. This harmful concept of masculinity places
significant importance on ‘manliness’ based on 'strength,

F
rom his iconic fashion style to his goose-bump inducing linity was recently introduced by men themselves. It was lack of emotion, self-sufficiency, dominance, and sexual
vocals, Harry Styles has won over the hearts of millions inspired by a feminist movement that had done much to virility.' According to traditional toxic masculine values, a
across the globe. He is undoubtedly a one-of-a-kind unpack what might be called 'toxic femininity.' Recently, male who doesn’t display enough of these traits falls short
artist in terms of his music as well as his fashion. The way American Psychological Association (APA) released its of being a ‘real man.’ Toxic masculinity is a narrow and
he embraces what’s supposedly feminine while shattering
the gender norms is what uniquely sets him apart from
his male pop star peers. His actions blur the 'fine line'
between male and female, gay and straight, and masculine
and feminine. As he delves deeper into the world of
unconventional clothing, his sheer shirts, bejeweled fingers,
and statement suits are more than just rebranding; they are
part of a larger dissent of toxic masculinity.
He is known for his excessive talent in the music
industry, being a former boy band star, and now for
defeating gender norms in fashion. Harry Styles is not
only a musical idol but a styling icon as well. It looks like
his last name is not that coincidental after all. His uncon-
ventional fashion taste, which is characterized by gender

Putting
fluidity, has inspired thousands of people worldwide both
fashionably and socially. His strong opinions in terms of
toxic masculinity and its impact on the way society works

barriers up
are well known globally. And recently, Harry Styles became
even louder through his look on the cover of the Vogue
November issue, in which he chose to portray himself with
a 'female' dress that extracted a plethora of comments,

in your life,
both positive and negative.
Styles is not afraid of pushing the boundaries of what is
considered socially acceptable for a man in today’s society.

just limits you

While award-show red carpets used to be a cycle of the
monotonous black tux, it is a breath of fresh air to see
Styles – especially as a high-profile and influential star -
stand confidently in glittery heeled boots, dangly earrings,

sense of self'
and nail polish simply because he wishes to. Men who are
able to embrace their feelings and accept that they enjoy
less stereotypically masculine things without shame hold

12
elena karaginnis

A real man,
a modern man
repressive description of manhood, designating masculinity
as the constellation of socially regressive traits defined by
violence, sex, status, and aggression. It’s the cultural ideal
of manliness, where emotions are a weakness and strength
is everything; while supposedly 'feminine' traits - ranging
from emotional vulnerability to not being hyper-sexual -
are the means by which your identity as a 'man' can be
taken away.
These traits serve to foster domination, devaluation of
women, homophobia, and wanton violence. Toxic mascu-
linity grows from teaching boys that they can’t express
emotions openly, that they have to be 'tough at all times',
that anything other than that makes them 'feminine.'
Styles is not afraid of pushing the boundaries of what is
considered socially acceptable for a man in today’s society.
While award-show red carpets used to be a cycle of the
monotonous black tux, it is a breath of fresh air to see
Styles – especially as a high-profile and influential star –
stand confidently in glittery heeled boots, dangly earrings,
and nail polish simply because he wishes to. Men who are
able to embrace their feelings and accept that they enjoy
less stereotypically masculine things without shame hold
the power to free themselves from the entrapping bars of
toxic masculinity.
Recently, Styles made headlines as the first man to
appear alone on the cover of Vogue, styling in a glam-
orous dress. He received widespread praise for both his
aesthetic sensibilities and willingness to break through
outdated gender norms. However, Candace Owens, an
American conservative political commentator, apparently
had a problem with all this and stated on Twitter, 'There is

14
elena karaginnis toxic – masculinity

no society that can survive without strong men. It is an

outright attack. Bring back manly men,' she said. Owens’
argument relies on a very unbending definition of what
it means to be a 'strong man,' one that’s rooted in toxic
masculinity. However, seeing as how powerful men have,
in fact, worn dresses, makeup, and long hair for centuries
contradicts this very idea. In fact, the act of harshly
APA suggests that it’s these cultural lessons that have
been linked to 'aggression and violence,' leaving boys
and men at 'disproportionate risk for school discipline,
academic challenges and health disparities,' including
cardiovascular problems and substance abuse. Men are not
naturally violent, but in a culture that equates masculinity
with physical power, some men and boys invariably feel like
they are failing at 'being a man.' For these particular men
and boys, toxic masculinity has created a vacuum in their
lives which, according to them, can only be filled through

There’s so
violence: through women and of child abuse, through
affiliation with the so-called 'alt-right' or ISIS, through gun
violence or any other promise of restored agency that is

much joy to be
wrongly equated with manhood.
Overemphasis of these traits may lead to harmful
imbalances in an individual trying to live up to the societal
expectations. Aggression, sexual aggression or control,

had in playing
showing no emotion or masking emotions, hyper-compet-
itiveness, need to dominate or control others, tendency
towards violence, isolation, low empathy, chauvinism and

with clothes.
sexism are some examples of what might be caused due to
the unrelenting pressure of toxic masculinity.
Unchecked toxic masculinity and the behaviours that
accompany it may lead to a variety of issues, such as

It becomes an
bullying, school discipline, academic challenges, jail or
prison time, domestic violence, sexual assault, risky behav-
iours, substance abuse, suicide, psychological trauma and

extended part
lack of friendships or genuine connections. Theories indi-
cate that toxic masculinity plays a role in physical health.
It may prevent some men from seeking out help for
possible health issues and other potential problems in

of creating
the fear of being seen as vulnerable or weak. In reality,
researchers have shown that there is little difference
between the brains of men and women. While gender

something '
identity is a deeply held feeling of being male, female, or
another gender, people of different genders often act differ-
ently, not due to their biological traits but because of rigid
societal norms created around femininity and masculinity.

16 17
I think there
is so much
masculinity
in being
vulnerable
and allowing
yourself
to be feminine,
and I am very
comfortable in
showing that
to everyone! Photographed by Hélène Marie Pambrun
elena karaginnis toxic – masculinity

Parameters
fighting
moves. We all knew from the beginning that Harry
Styles was in for significant social changes. In the world of
2020, his personal style with influence from past decades

are not as
for self-
as well as him incorporating personal touches of femi-
nine elements such as painted nails, pearls, skirts, and
collars, reflects how confident should men be expressing
their fashion sense without having to be judged for not

strict as they
being 'manly' enough, and not meeting the toxic gender
standards that society pushes both men and women to
follow.

expression
used to be,
Harry Styles is making a statement that people should
be able to wear whatever they wish, without having
to fear what others think of them or having to state
and show their sexual orientation through clothing.

it gives rise
Harry teaches us that life is too short of criticizing a
person’s choices and personal information without
even knowing them, just by their fashion sense, and we

to great
thank him for that. Overemphasis of these traits may
lead to harmful imbalances in an individual trying to
live up to the societal expectations. Aggression, sexual
aggression or control, showing no emotion or masking

freedom'
emotions, hyper-competitiveness, need to dominate or
control others, tendency towards violence, isolation, low
empathy, chauvinism and sexism are some examples of
what might be caused due to the unrelenting pressure of
toxic masculinity.
A new definition of masculinity is required, something
Each man will have to individually decide how to
much more humanly and inclusive. What it means to
Hollywood’s child stars are often overshadowed by
their famous parents. However, a handful of trail-
blazers are finding fame themselves. Jaden Smith,
son of actors Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, is
known to challenge gender norms, mixing mascu-
line-feminine aesthetics.

B
define manhood and masculinity for themselves. Fashion
be male might include overall human experiences, such y fighting for self-expression for his generation and the
is an art form that knows no bounds and Styles’ simple
as openly experiencing and expressing a wide range of next, Jaden has become an LGBTQ+ icon. Back in 2016,
yet powerful way of shattering gender norms and defying
emotions, interdependence between men and women, 17-year-old Jaden Smith appeared in a pleated skirt,
toxic masculinity is something that shall continue to
vulnerability, cooperation, kindness and softness. This crochet top and a cool leather jacket for Louis Vuitton’s
impact and inspire people for years to come. ●
does not indicate abandoning all traditional masculine Series 4 womenswear campaign. The campaign drew
traits, including traditionally masculine characteristics attention from haters and fans alike, but in the end Jaden
such strength and adventure, which may help some people was praised for his daring choice to break archaic gender
define their own masculinity. However, these traits shall norms.
not make up a person’s entire definition of masculinity and After appearing at numerous events in men and women’s
form only one small aspect of their identity. clothing (and looking awesome in both), Jaden launched
Eliminating or changing toxic masculinity is not possible his own gender-fluid clothing line, MSFTSrep, in 2016. He
overnight. However, as more people begin to define their told Variety that '[MSFTS is for] the girl that wants to be a
own version of masculinity, gender roles will continue to tomboy or the boy that wants to wear a skirt, and people
change on a larger scale as they always have. It is a fact try to condemn.'
that Harry Styles is currently peeking in his career with Whether he is rocking a skirt the entire 2016 or heels for
nominations for the Grammy Awards of 2021. A person the 2017 Met Gala, Jaden Smith has cemented himself as
having this much influence is crucial. That conveys the right a genderqueer fashion icon. Despite internet backlashes,
Photographed by Sam Slater
message to the world, and in that case, Harry is making all Jaden has always held his head high and stayed true to

20 17
elena karaginnis
Parameters
are not as
strict as they
expression
used to be,
it gives rise
to great
freedom'
A new definition of masculinity is required, something
I recently said
much more humanly and inclusive. What it means to
be male might include overall human experiences, such
as openly experiencing and expressing a wide range of
emotions, interdependence between men and women,
that Tyler, The
vulnerability, cooperation, kindness and softness. This
does not indicate abandoning all traditional masculine
traits, including traditionally masculine characteristics
such strength and adventure, which may help some people
Creator is my
define their own masculinity. However, these traits shall
not make up a person’s entire definition of masculinity and
form only one small aspect of their identity.
Eliminating or changing toxic masculinity is not possible
boyfriend and
overnight. However, as more people begin to define their
own version of masculinity, gender roles will continue to
change on a larger scale as they always have. It is a fact
that Harry Styles is currently peeking in his career with
that is true
nominations for the Grammy Awards of 2021. A person
having this much influence is crucial. That conveys the right
message to the world, and in that case, Harry is making all
16
toxic – masculinity
fighting
for self-
Hollywood’s child stars are often overshadowed by
their famous parents. However, a handful of trail-
blazers are finding fame themselves. Jaden Smith,
son of actors Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, is
known to challenge gender norms, mixing mascu-
line-feminine aesthetics.
B
y fighting for self-expression for his generation and the
next, Jaden has become an LGBTQ+ icon. Back in 2016,
17-year-old Jaden Smith appeared in a pleated skirt,
crochet top and a cool leather jacket for Louis Vuitton’s
Series 4 womenswear campaign. The campaign drew
attention from haters and fans alike, but in the end Jaden
was praised for his daring choice to break archaic gender
norms.
After appearing at numerous events in men and women’s
clothing (and looking awesome in both), Jaden launched
his own gender-fluid clothing line, MSFTSrep, in 2016. He
told Variety that '[MSFTS is for] the girl that wants to be a
tomboy or the boy that wants to wear a skirt, and people
try to condemn.'
Whether he is rocking a skirt the entire 2016 or heels for
the 2017 Met Gala, Jaden Smith has cemented himself as
a genderqueer fashion icon. Despite internet backlashes,
Photographed by Sam Slater
Jaden has always held his head high and stayed true to
17
Umesh Bahagcha toxic – masculinity

I wanted to
real man
He told Toxic magazine, 'You just have to believe
in yourself, you know. The world is going to keep
bashing me for whatever I do and I'm going to keep

wear a mother
catalogue
not caring.'
He adds that he’s doing it, not only because he likes
it, but also to normalise it for the next generation.
Jack Daly
'I'm taking the brunt of it so that later on, my kids

f*cking dress
and the next generations of kids will all think that
certain things are normal that weren't expected
before my time.'

to prom so I
Jaden Smith made news when he attended actress
Amandla Stenberg’s high school prom wearing a
black tuxedo with a white skirt under a long black
tunic. He topped off his chic look with black pants,

wore a f*cking
sneakers and a pair of fingerless white gloves.
‘The Real Man Catalogue’ is a series of posters by
Starring in Netflix’s and Baz Luhrmann-created
the artist Jack Daly. The series humorously un-
show, The Get Down, Jaden starred as Marcus Kipling:
dermines common masculine tropes with phrases

dress to prom'
a teenage artist discovering life amid the emergence
like “it’s just a phase” when exploring sexuality or
of hip-hop and disco in the 70s. In one scene, his
“being a baby” alongside mock advert images.
character locked eyes with another man on the dance

floor and they shared a brief, but romantic moment
on screen.
In 2018, Jaden Smith claimed that the American
singer-rapper, Tyler, the Creator, was his boyfriend.
Appearing in front of an audience at Tyler's Camp
Flog Gnaw Carnival in Los Angeles, Jaden said. The
campaign drew attention from haters and fans alike,
but in the end Jaden was praised for his daring choice
to break archaic gender norms.
In one scene, his character locked eyes with
another man on the dance floor and they shared
a brief, but romantic moment on screen. After
appearing at numerous events in men and women’s
clothing (and looking awesome in both), Jaden
launched his own gender-fluid clothing line,
MSFTSrep, in 2016. ●
P
redominantly a photographer, although most of what
I make is conceptual images that are seen more as
artistic pieces than photographs, so I guess I’m an
artist that works mainly in photography. I always made
stuff when I was young and don’t really remember not
taking photographs so it’s just something I’ve always done,
although it’s taken me years to refine the style to the sort of
work I produce now.
The Real Man Catalogue is a series of out-dated print
adverts, promoting a bunch of equally out-dated idealisms
using satirical products. It was designed to make fun of
stereotypical masculinity, which I think often prevents
guys from being who they truly are, but also has deeper
issues surrounding mental health, as there’s a normality in
non-emotional expression amongst men.
I wanted to satirise the whole concept of masculinity.
The thought that men need to have certain traits to be
considered men I find completely insane. I experienced a
lot of the concepts in the project growing up, I think all men
have struggles with the idea of masculinity especially as
children, hence why the ads are mainly aimed at helping
boys become real men. I think a lot of our internal issues
of masculinity are instilled in us as children and haunt us
as we become adults.I think there’s a need for everyone to
question things that society has always deemed normal
and expected. ●

24 19
Umesh Bahagcha toxic – masculinity

I wanted to
wear a mother real man
catalogue
Jack Daly

f*cking dress
to prom so I
wore a f*cking ‘The Real Man Catalogue’ is a series of posters by
the artist Jack Daly. The series humorously un-
dermines common masculine tropes with phrases

dress to prom'
like “it’s just a phase” when exploring sexuality or
“being a baby” alongside mock advert images.

P
redominantly a photographer, although most of what
I make is conceptual images that are seen more as
artistic pieces than photographs, so I guess I’m an
artist that works mainly in photography. I always made
stuff when I was young and don’t really remember not
taking photographs so it’s just something I’ve always done,
although it’s taken me years to refine the style to the sort of
work I produce now.
The Real Man Catalogue is a series of out-dated print
adverts, promoting a bunch of equally out-dated idealisms
using satirical products. It was designed to make fun of
stereotypical masculinity, which I think often prevents
guys from being who they truly are, but also has deeper
issues surrounding mental health, as there’s a normality in
non-emotional expression amongst men.
I wanted to satirise the whole concept of masculinity.
The thought that men need to have certain traits to be
considered men I find completely insane. I experienced a
lot of the concepts in the project growing up, I think all men
have struggles with the idea of masculinity especially as
children, hence why the ads are mainly aimed at helping
boys become real men. I think a lot of our internal issues
of masculinity are instilled in us as children and haunt us
as we become adults.I think there’s a need for everyone to
question things that society has always deemed normal
and expected. ●

26 19
toxic – masculinity

time to
Cut the aCt
Mark Watson

We’re all playing roles of one kind of another, near-

ly constantly. But the casting brief for the charac-
ter of ‘normal man’ sometimes seems to demand
the worst from us.

D
uring the recent US Open final, the spectacle of Novak
Djokovic smashing his racquet on the ground – as if
had produced the poor shots in some sort of sentient
rebellion at his anti-vaccination stance – attracted a lot of
gleeful comment on Twitter.
We had heard once more during Wimbledon that
certain women were too emotionally volatile for top-level
sport; that they needed to 'toughen up'. One of the main
proponents of this idea was also responsible, during the
Olympics, for belching out the opinion that no great sport-
sperson would celebrate finishing second or third, so silver
and bronze medals were not meaningful achievements,
as if being able to run faster than all but one of the earth’s
inhabitants is so minor a deed it’s hardly worth mentioning
in the Christmas round-robin.
After all this, it was fun to watch Djovokic – one of the
paradigms of a specifically macho sporting excellence –

We have had
succumb to emotional pressure, even though many of us
could also hear a parent’s voice in our heads muttering,
'he paid good money for that racquet'.

enough of this
But it is also a little depressing how often this comes
up. Why do so many people still talk about 'anguish in
defeat' where it relates to a male competitor, and 'temper
tantrums' if the exact same thing happens to, say, Serena

toxicity'
Williams? I’ve got a podcast (yes, I know, but come back).
Influencer Michael Chakraverty and I interview people –
straight, gay, queer, trans, perhaps none of these – about

Photography from Getty Images

20
mark watson

their relationship with masculinity. Something that comes

up again and again is how much of a 'performance' male-
ness often is; and how much damage that can do to all of
us, male or not.
Of course, whoever we are in life, an element of perfor-
mance is inevitable. Looking like an exemplary parent at
the school gates (concealing a hangover and with a packed
lunch that’s basically just three satsumas and an IOU
note), or expressing interest in every single other guest at
a wedding (including the one who says, 'I always thought I
should be a comedian, actually' and asks for your thoughts
on Jim Davidson versus 'the woke brigade'). We’re all
playing roles of one kind of another, nearly constantly. But
the casting brief for the character of 'normal man' some-
times seems to demand the worst from us.
Many of our guests on the podcast say that their main
experience of masculinity, early in life, was as a test they
were failing; a task they were not executing successfully.
Men like this can take years, even decades, to come to
self-acceptance, but they’re our best hope.
There is plenty of resistance to the re-shaping of mascu-
linity and to the ways the next generation of those identi-
fying as men (and those who’d rather not give a label at all)
talk, dress, think and frame gender issues. But when you
look at what has been the common experience of women
for many generations, perhaps something new is worth
a try. The show called 'Being A Real Man' has run for a very,
very long time on the world’s stages. Like any other show, it
might be time to think about modernising it. Of course, not
every man will like this. But, well, maybe some people are
just too emotionally volatile for this sort of thing? ●

22

a big bunch
of dickS
A
l's solo debut opened at the New York gallery 56 Henry,
the celebrated artist Al Freeman presented objects
that could easily be found in a frat house: a beer can,
a lava lamp, a set of male genitals – except that these were
understuffed pillows. Freeman's soft-sculpture work is an
effort to examine hypermasculine spaces, an exploration of
what she calls 'a club I can't be a part of.'
Both men and women suffer from toxic masculinity. It
happens everyday both online and offline. What does
toxic masculinity looks like? Here are some examples.
Together, let's help men unmute their voices. Let's
#FightTheStigma with the facts. #UNMUTE ●
toxic – masculinity
Al Freeman
The objects in my work come directly from what's consid-
ered to be the most toxically masculine culture. It affects
me personally, and it affects the people around me, and it's
everywhere – from frat houses up into our government. The
soft sculptures are a way to address the problems in that
culture without being didactic or finger-shaking.
As an artist, you're either critiquing things that are in
the world, or you're glorifying things in the world, or you're
just mirroring things in the world. This work is a mirror of
the things that I wish would be softer, or more benign, or
less threatening somehow – or just something that I could
participate in that isn't abusive.
I think a lot of the conversations about toxic mascu-
linity are just preaching to the converted, and to some
degree I want my work to be inclusive. These are items that
everybody can identify with or recognize without them
being off-putting or judgmental or aggressive. Al Freeman
creates soft sculptures of detectable everyday objects
like batteries and broken mirrors that are reminiscent of
Claes Oldenburg’s work. Recognized for her large puffy
sculptures of objects entrenched in coded masculinity and
conveying the ridiculousness of gendered order.
The idea of a frat boy seeking comfort in a pillow version
of his Jägermeister bottle, as if the pillows are teddy bears
that would comfort some terrible man. As told to Nora
Caplan-Bricker. ●
25
 toxic – masculinity

a big bunch
of dickS Al Freeman

The objects in my work come directly from what's consid-

ered to be the most toxically masculine culture. It affects
me personally, and it affects the people around me, and it's
everywhere – from frat houses up into our government. The
soft sculptures are a way to address the problems in that

A
l's solo debut opened at the New York gallery 56 Henry,
the celebrated artist Al Freeman presented objects
that could easily be found in a frat house: a beer can,
a lava lamp, a set of male genitals – except that these were
understuffed pillows. Freeman's soft-sculpture work is an
effort to examine hypermasculine spaces, an exploration of
culture without being didactic or finger-shaking.
As an artist, you're either critiquing things that are in
the world, or you're glorifying things in the world, or you're
just mirroring things in the world. This work is a mirror of
the things that I wish would be softer, or more benign, or
less threatening somehow – or just something that I could

I never
what she calls 'a club I can't be a part of.' participate in that isn't abusive.
I think a lot of the conversations about toxic mascu-
linity are just preaching to the converted, and to some
degree I want my work to be inclusive. These are items that

thought of
everybody can identify with or recognize without them
being off-putting or judgmental or aggressive. Al Freeman
creates soft sculptures of detectable everyday objects

myself as
like batteries and broken mirrors that are reminiscent of
Claes Oldenburg’s work. Recognized for her large puffy
sculptures of objects entrenched in coded masculinity and
conveying the ridiculousness of gendered order.

masculine or
The idea of a frat boy seeking comfort in a pillow version
of his Jägermeister bottle, as if the pillows are teddy bears
that would comfort some terrible man. As told to Nora

feminine I am
Caplan-Bricker. ●

just me'
25
toxic – masculinity justin baldoni

JuStin
What are the brands that you want to
be interviewed by about this topic of
masculinity?
I think as a young man, I would collect
Working at a women’s media publi- kick your ass, then you’ll listen to
cation, we speak pretty openly about me, right? Like all right, cool, maybe
the 'lady media' tropes that now feel I’ll start a whole fitness plan, maybe
incredibly not modern. What are some I’ll do something masculine-focused

baldoni
Men's Health and Men’s Fitness and
GQ, Esquire, and all those maga-
zines. As an actor, it was always kind
of a bummer that none of them ever
wanted to talk to me… Part of it is
also because I’m on a feminist show,
primarily watched by women. I’ve
had my reps tell me, bluntly: 'Men’s
magazines are not going to write
about you because you’re too femi-
of the men’s media tropes that you’ve
run into?
I’ve got to be honest, it breaks my
heart when I look at both. Men’s
Fitness reached out to me to be a
game changer, and what was inter-
esting was that they knew about me
for a few years, but it wasn't until I
started talking about working out –
like how I tore my pec and I kind of
because I’m cool being a Trojan horse.
I have to imagine that I was built the
way that I was for a bunch of different
reasons, but I have the heart that I
have for a reason as well.
In your talk, you also discuss sexual
harassment and the 'Me Too' phenom-
enon, and it must be acknowledged
that women aren’t the only victims. Did

S
nine and because you don’t attract followed my journey the whole way you ever feel like you were harassed or
ince the shocking sexual harassment allegations were
a male audience.' That’s just where it – that they were able to sell it up the victimized on set?
first reported against Hollywood mega-producer
becomes frustrating because the men chain. And that’s the bummer; it has When I was 21 or so, I was very new in
Harvey Weinstein in October 2020, there's been an
that I really want to have dialogue to be, 'Oh yeah, he’s a regular dude the business. I had just done my first
avalanche of accusations against other power players in
with are not listening unless their too,' because that’s the entry point. show and a girlfriend at the time had
media, business, and yes, Hollywood.
girlfriends tag them or their girlfriends But at the same time that’s also a gift gotten me a spa certificate to go to
In the wake of all these accusations, the concept of 'toxic
send them something that I said… And because I now understand the psyche Burke Williams in West Hollywood.
masculinity' has become a hotly debated topic. How are we
that’s a bummer because in reality of the system. If I want to talk to men, I I remember there were hot tubs and
as a culture subtly reinforcing the kinds of stereotypes that
I’m not telling them they have to be do have to kind of be a man… Because steam rooms and all kinds of stuff, and
may lead to detrimental behaviour patterns? These stere-
different. if I’m a 'girly man,' then they’re not it’s kind of fancier people, wealthier
otypes, like the idea that men are supposed to be 'strong'
going to listen, but if I can do more guys. I went and jumped in the hot tub
and never show emotions, can easily lead to misogynistic
I’m sure it’s anxiety-inducing to speak pull-ups than you and if I can do that and I saw a guy kind of look over. I saw
ideas or acts.
at TEDWomen because you run the risk crazy workout that I guarantee can him look over at me, jump out of the
One of the emerging voices in the conversation of toxic
of mansplaining a women’s issue.
masculinity is Justin Baldoni, an actor best known for his
I actually hired a very good friend of
work on Jane the Virgin. At the TEDWomen conference
mine who’s a very powerful feminist,
in New Orleans, Baldoni gave an impassioned talk on the
and I had her tell me and make sure
subject, saying the characters he’s often asked to play actu-
that nowhere in my talk was I mans-
ally feel all too similar to the one he’s been encouraged to
plaining. There’s no way that I could
play all his life: a stereotypical man’s man.
have given this talk without the sup-
'This is the script that we’ve been given,' he said. 'Girls
port and help of women, there’s just
are weak, and boys are strong… I came here today to say
no way. By nature I would have mans-
as a man that this is wrong, this is toxic, and it has to end.'
plained something because I have the
But Baldoni isn’t giving up. He’s developing an online talk
privilege of being a white male and
show, titled Man Enough, and he’s putting himself out there
I’ve been mansplaining my whole life –
at conferences like TEDWomen. We spoke with Baldoni at
that’s just the way it is. I did everything
TEDWomen following his talk to discuss the correlations
I could to take out any part that could
between these masculine tropes and pressing issues like
potentially be that, or to just be aware
sexual harassment in the workplace. And yes, we asked if
of what I was saying, because I really
he ever worries about doing exactly what he rails against
wasn’t trying to talk to women, I was
– taking command of a conversation in the women’s space Photographed by John Moore
Photographed by John Moore really trying to talk to men.
and 'mansplaining' it. Read his responses!

26 37 27
toxic – masculinity
other hot tub, and jump in with me,
and he said, 'Oh what do you do?' And I
said, 'Oh I’m an actor,' and he said, 'Oh
I’m a producer,' and he started talking
about all of the movies he’s done and
all the people he knows. He’s friends
with Clooney, Cheadle, and this person
and this person, and he slowly started
to try to get me to take off my pants
because I had my bathing suit on and
he was naked.
I remember the way he did it, using
his power and what he does and who
he knows as a way to make me feel
less than, like I wasn’t going to be as
successful as the other guys who’d
been in the same hot tub with him,
naked. I just remember that feeling
and having a moment of saying, 'Well,
should I do that? And where does that
lead?'… I remember a split second,
and then going, 'What? No,' and just
leaving. I could imagine how hard and
painful that must be for a woman. I
mean I was stronger and bigger than
the guy, and [then there’s] the fact that
no one is going to believe you if you’re
a woman because your voice is already
not heard. I’ve also experienced
harassment as a man from women of
power. I’ve had my ass grabbed multi-
ple times by powerful women.
I just think the system is broken,
but thank God we're now at a place
where, as gross as it sounds, the
infected pimple is finally being popped
and healing can actually begin… And
then the other thing men are going to
have to start doing now is recognising
when they did it and didn’t realize it.
I think that’s when the other side of
the 'Me Too' movement is 'I’m Sorry.'
I guarantee at some point in my life
there is a woman or two that I in
some way made uncomfortable by
28
The glass ceiling exists
because we put it there,
so we have to do some-
thing if we want to
break it'
saying something or doing something
that was sexist. There is one million
percent probability that exists, and all
I can do is say, 'I’m sorry, I was naive,
I was young, I screwed up, and I’ll try
to do better.'
For men who may have been enablers
– either inadvertently or because they
were intimidated – do you have any
script or recommendations for guys
to help combat this behaviour in the
moment?
Well, can you be man enough to
actually say something? The fact is
that so many of us men are so terrified
of losing our standing with our other
male friends or our standing at our
jobs because, at the end of the day, it’s
a fraternity. The hierarchy of power
is just a big fraternity, and if you go
against one of your brothers, then
you’re breaking this thing they call
'the guy code.' Growing up, how many
times did I hear 'bros before hoes'?
Just think about it. First of all, how
demeaning, how sexist. What are we
saying about women, and how we’re
saying the importance is us, not them.
Right? It’s the worst thing you could
say, but all young boys, teenagers,
guys, we get it.
Or if it’s a director or someone that’s
in power, you could say, 'I want to bring
this up because I’m worried about you
and this could be perceived the wrong
way.' Every situation is different... Men
have to start small because it takes a
lot of courage to stand up to another
man and go against everything you’ve
been conditioned to say. Or in some
cases it’s so obvious that you do need
to stand up and say something. Like if
you’re hanging out and you see a girl
who’s so wasted and your buddy’s not,
say, 'No, don’t take her home, man,
what are you doing?' Stop him. I think
that it’s going to take some strong men
to be willing to stand up and do that,
so, hopefully, now thanks to the brav-
ery of women, that men will finally
find the strength to do the same thing.
Working at a women’s media publi-
cation, we speak pretty openly about
the 'lady media' tropes that now feel
incredibly not modern?
I’ve got to be honest, it breaks my
heart when I look at both. Men’s
Fitness reached out to me to be a
mental
game changer, and what was interest-
ing was that they knew about me for a
few years, but it wasn't until I started
Joseph Harper
talking about working out – like how I
health
tore my pec and I kind of followed my
journey the whole way – that they were
able to sell it up the chain. And that’s
the bummer; it has to be, 'Oh yeah, he’s
a regular dude too,' because that’s the
entry point. But at the same time that’s
also a gift because I now understand
the psyche of the system. If I want to
talk to men, I do have to kind of be a
man… Because if I’m a 'girly man,' then
M
they’re not going to listen, but if I can
any men recently have become better at taking
do more pull-ups than you and if I can
control of their physical health, being more heart
do that crazy workout that I guarantee
healthy and getting preventive screenings such as
can kick your ass, then you’ll listen to
colonoscopies as they get older, but when it comes to their
me, right? Like all right, cool, maybe I’ll
mental health, too many men still struggle.
start a whole fitness plan, maybe I’ll do
According to the National Institute of Mental Health,
something masculine-focused because
mental illnesses in men is often lower than women. The
I’m cool being a Trojan horse. I have to
NIMH also says that men with mental illnesses are less
imagine that I was built the way that I
likely to have received mental health treatment than
was for a bunch of different reasons, but
women. This poses interesting questions: Are men truly
I have the heart that I have for a reason
experiencing fewer mental health problems, or are they
as well, like how I tore my pec and I kind
more likely to ignore them and hope they go away?
of followed my journey the whole way
I have worked with thousands of men in both
– that they were able to sell it up the
one-on-one and group settings. I am convinced the statis-
chain..
tics are skewed and the number of men struggling and
failing to get help is greater than we are led to believe.
This interview has been condensed and
I've watched mothers and wives drag the men they love
edited for clarity. ●
into my office. I often struggle with some male patients to
pull information about their emotional issues out of them
because they are so reluctant to speak. Others simply
downplay their problems saying things like, 'It’s not really
a big deal,' or 'My wife is blowing this out of proportion.'
Then there are the men who are simply embarrassed and
ask, 'Nobody will ever know I was here, right?'
Too many men think they are supposed to be strong
all the time – even when in pain. For many, it would be
unimaginable, intolerable for anyone to know they were
battling anxiety, depression, or were bogged down by their
emotions. Many of my male patients also believe that
because they are not physically ill they are not truly sick. ●
29
toxic – masculinity
other hot tub, and jump in with me,
and he said, 'Oh what do you do?' And I
said, 'Oh I’m an actor,' and he said, 'Oh
I’m a producer,' and he started talking
about all of the movies he’s done and
all the people he knows. He’s friends
with Clooney, Cheadle, and this person
and this person, and he slowly started
to try to get me to take off my pants
because I had my bathing suit on and
he was naked.
I remember the way he did it, using
his power and what he does and who
he knows as a way to make me feel
less than, like I wasn’t going to be as
successful as the other guys who’d
been in the same hot tub with him,
naked. I just remember that feeling
and having a moment of saying, 'Well,
should I do that? And where does that
lead?'… I remember a split second,
and then going, 'What? No,' and just
leaving. I could imagine how hard and
painful that must be for a woman. I
mean I was stronger and bigger than
the guy, and [then there’s] the fact that
no one is going to believe you if you’re
a woman because your voice is already
not heard. I’ve also experienced
harassment as a man from women of
power. I’ve had my ass grabbed multi-
ple times by powerful women.
I just think the system is broken,
but thank God we're now at a place
where, as gross as it sounds, the
infected pimple is finally being popped
and healing can actually begin… And
then the other thing men are going to
have to start doing now is recognising
when they did it and didn’t realize it.
I think that’s when the other side of
the 'Me Too' movement is 'I’m Sorry.'
I guarantee at some point in my life
there is a woman or two that I in
some way made uncomfortable by
28
The glassItceiling
is notexists
a
because wemassive deal,
put it there,
so we haveI to
will do
getsome-
thing if we want to
break it' over it'
saying something or doing something
that was sexist. There is one million
percent probability that exists, and all
I can do is say, 'I’m sorry, I was naive,
I was young, I screwed up, and I’ll try
to do better.'
For men who may have been enablers
– either inadvertently or because they
were intimidated – do you have any
script or recommendations for guys
to help combat this behaviour in the
moment?
Well, can you be man enough to
actually say something? The fact is
that so many of us men are so terrified
of losing our standing with our other
male friends or our standing at our
jobs because, at the end of the day, it’s
a fraternity. The hierarchy of power
is just a big fraternity, and if you go
against one of your brothers, then
you’re breaking this thing they call
'the guy code.' Growing up, how many
times did I hear 'bros before hoes'?
Just think about it. First of all, how
demeaning, how sexist. What are we
saying about women, and how we’re
saying the importance is us, not them.
Right? It’s the worst thing you could
mental
Joseph Harper
health
M
any men recently have become better at taking
say, but all young boys, teenagers,
control of their physical health, being more heart
guys, we get it.
healthy and getting preventive screenings such as
Or if it’s a director or someone that’s
colonoscopies as they get older, but when it comes to their
in power, you could say, 'I want to bring
mental health, too many men still struggle.
this up because I’m worried about you
According to the National Institute of Mental Health,
and this could be perceived the wrong
mental illnesses in men is often lower than women. The
way.' Every situation is different... Men
NIMH also says that men with mental illnesses are less
have to start small because it takes a
likely to have received mental health treatment than
lot of courage to stand up to another
women. This poses interesting questions: Are men truly
man and go against everything you’ve
experiencing fewer mental health problems, or are they
been conditioned to say. Or in some
more likely to ignore them and hope they go away?
cases it’s so obvious that you do need
I have worked with thousands of men in both
to stand up and say something. Like if
one-on-one and group settings. I am convinced the statis-
you’re hanging out and you see a girl
tics are skewed and the number of men struggling and
who’s so wasted and your buddy’s not,
failing to get help is greater than we are led to believe.
say, 'No, don’t take her home, man,
I've watched mothers and wives drag the men they love
what are you doing?' Stop him. I think
into my office. I often struggle with some male patients to
that it’s going to take some strong men
pull information about their emotional issues out of them
to be willing to stand up and do that,
because they are so reluctant to speak. Others simply
so, hopefully, now thanks to the brav-
downplay their problems saying things like, 'It’s not really
ery of women, that men will finally
a big deal,' or 'My wife is blowing this out of proportion.'
find the strength to do the same thing.
Then there are the men who are simply embarrassed and
ask, 'Nobody will ever know I was here, right?'
Working at a women’s media publi-
Too many men think they are supposed to be strong
cation, we speak pretty openly about
all the time – even when in pain. For many, it would be
the 'lady media' tropes that now feel
unimaginable, intolerable for anyone to know they were
incredibly not modern?
battling anxiety, depression, or were bogged down by their
I’ve got to be honest, it breaks my
emotions. Many of my male patients also believe that
heart when I look at both. Men’s
because they are not physically ill they are not truly sick. ●
Fitness reached out to me to be a
29
 toxic – masculinity

a new type
of hero
N
ot all superheroes wear capes. But if they come in
many guises, what they tend to have in common is a
desire to save the world. And that’s what makes the
new Spider-Man movie so interesting: here is a superhero
who would rather do almost anything else. He has the
godlike powers, the suit, the crowds gasping in adoration.
He has a monster to fight and (this being a Marvel movie)
a standing invitation to join the Avengers, and turn the gig
into a full-time job.
But what he really wants is to have a life instead. The
teenage Peter Parker just wants to hang out in Europe
on a school trip, spend time with the girl he awkwardly
admires from afar, and be a normal guy doing normal
stuff rather than carrying the world on his shoulders.
If this Spider-Man were a politician he would be Ruth
Davidson, deciding not to run for the Tory leadership
because she didn’t want to leave Scotland and has just had
a baby. 'He is the Prince William of superheroes, visibly
conflicted about the prospect of becoming king.' Welcome
to Work-Life Balance Man, who isn’t sure he wants to make
it to the top of the Avengers pantheon if that means there’s

Normal guys
no time left for anything else; a hero for burnt-out millen-
nials everywhere. You could easily imagine him being the
first Marvel hero to take a hefty chunk of paternity leave.

can be super-
There have always been reluctant heroes in popular
culture, figures embodying the doubts and insecurities of
teenage boys fumbling awkwardly towards manhood. But
there’s something especially compelling about this beta-

heros too'
male vision of heroism in an era of wildly overconfident
toxic alphas, which has left us suspicious of anyone seeking
power for its own sake. And what’s really fascinating,

Photographed by David Yurman

30 31
gabby hinsliff
speaking as someone forced by parenthood to sit through
more Avengers films than I ever thought possible, is that
boys absolutely lap it up.
Some adult fans have reacted aggressively to the more
self-consciously woke bits of the Avengers franchise, ques-
tioning whether attempts to generate more diverse heroes
would be somehow emasculating for boys in search of role
models. But the gaggles of small boys I’ve shepherded to
the cinema couldn’t care less if Captain Marvel is a girl now,
so long as there are still explosions and gadgets and mortal
threats to life on Earth as we know it.
The all-female Ghostbusters was as popular in our house
as the all-male one I grew up with, because it turns out the
draw was always the ghosts, and the football-crazed sons
of friends have been as caught up in the frenzy surrounding
the Women’s World Cup as they were in the men’s.
For these are boys who have grown up with a much
broader concept of masculinity, a world where dads on
the school run and Prince Harry talking openly about his
mental health are simply part of the furniture. My son’s
tweenage peer group is currently obsessed with both
Netflix’s Stranger Things – whose central characters are a
girl with astonishing supernatural powers and a bunch of
dorky high-school boys – and the American police comedy
Brooklyn Nine-Nine, whose wisecracking central character,
Jake Peralta, is undeniably laddish but self-deprecating
I was not
considered
masculine in
high school
at all'
32
toxic – masculinity
with it. It is a running joke that Peralta’s police detective
girlfriend is smarter than him, but when she gets promoted
above him that’s all absolutely fine; his ultimate boss mean-
while is gay, and the most overtly macho, muscle-bound
officer on the squad turns out to be a soppily doting father
to small daughters.
When a character in Spider-Man remarks of the angst-
ridden Peter Parker that 'uneasy lies the head that wears
the crown,' teenage boys are probably less likely to think
of Shakespeare than the Stormzy track Crown, on which he
sings about the pressures of being a role model and the toll
it takes on his personal life.
'I know my only mother wants her son back too,'
is an unexpected line from the man who just stormed
Glastonbury. And the following morning Stormzy shared a
text from his mum calling him her hero.
How much of this consciously sinks in for boys is hard
to say, for we tend to wildly overestimate the importance
of cultural icons in shaping public opinion while underesti-
mating the power of the backlash. This week’s British Social
Attitudes Survey, noting an unexpected though small rise
in the number of people believing gay sex to be wrong, is a
salutary reminder that the tide of social liberalism can fall
as well as rise.
But the same survey also found a creeping shift in
attitudes to men’s role in working life, suggesting that
there are good reasons for Theresa May wanting to extend
paternity leave to a period of 12 weeks as part of the last-
minute legacy she is trying to stitch together. Over a third
of Britons now think paid parental leave should be split
equally between mothers and fathers, up from just over a
fifth in 2012.
But what he really wants is to have a life instead. The
teenage Peter Parker just wants to hang out in Europe on a
school trip, spend time with the girl he awkwardly admires
from afar, and be a normal guy doing normal stuff rather
than carrying the world on his shoulders.
For these are boys who have grown up with a much
broader concept of masculinity, a world where dads on
the school run and Prince Harry talking openly about his
mental health are simply part of the furniture. My son’s
tweenage peer group is currently obsessed with both
Netflix’s Stranger Things – whose central characters are a
girl with astonishing supernatural powers and a bunch of
dorky high-school boys – and the American police comedy
33
 Work-Life
balance man.
You could
imagine him
being the first
Marvel hero to
take paternity
gabby hinsliff
Brooklyn Nine-Nine, whose wisecracking central character,
Jake Peralta, is undeniably laddish but self-deprecating
with it. It is a running joke that Peralta’s police detective
girlfriend is smarter than him, but when she gets promoted
above him that’s all absolutely fine; his ultimate boss mean-
while is gay, and the most overtly macho, muscle-bound
officer on the squad turns out to be a soppily doting father
to small daughters.
Some adult fans have reacted aggressively to the more
self-consciously woke bits of the Avengers franchise, ques-
tioning whether attempts to generate more diverse heroes
would be somehow emasculating for boys in search of role
models.
The all-female Ghostbusters was as popular in our house
as the all-male one I grew up with, because it turns out the
draw was always the ghosts, and the football-crazed sons
of friends have been as caught up in the frenzy surrounding
the Women’s World Cup as they were in the men’s.
If this Spider-Man were a politician he would be Ruth
Davidson, deciding not to run for the Tory leadership
because she didn’t want to leave Scotland and has just
had a baby. He is the Prince William of superheroes, visibly
conflicted about the prospect of becoming king. Welcome
to Work-Life Balance Man, who isn’t sure he wants to make
There is not
much I can
do except
try my best,
which I will
always do'
36
toxic – masculinity
10 women
make it to the top of the Avengers pantheon if that
means there’s no time left for anything else; a hero for
burnt-out millennials everywhere. You could easily
imagine him being the first Marvel hero to take a
share
hefty chunk of paternity leave.
Some adult fans have reacted aggressively to the
more self-consciously woke bits of the Avengers
franchise, questioning whether attempts to generate
more diverse heroes would be somehow emascu-
lating for boys in search of role models. But the
gaggles of small boys I’ve shepherded to the cinema
couldn’t care less if Captain Marvel is a girl now, so
long as there are still explosions and gadgets and
mortal threats to life on Earth as we know it.
The all-female Ghostbusters was as popular in our
1. My SO refuses to use sunscreen. Is skin cancer manly?
house as the all-male one I grew up with, because it
Have to surprise smear it on his face like he's a toddler.
turns out the draw was always the ghosts, and the
2. I had a bf who thought any form of non-sexual affection
football-crazed sons of friends have been as caught
was 'gay', and so would want to have sex any time he
up in the frenzy surrounding the Women’s World Cup
was sad or whatever. It was years after we broke up that
as they were in the men’s.
I had a light bulb moment and realised why he got so
When asked how families should organise their
pushy about sex because it was the only affection he
working lives, the majority still think a mother should
ever got.
work less than a father, or even not work at all; but
3. Had a male flatmate refuse to put a plaster on his finger,
9% now think the answer is for both to work part-
which was dripping blood on my kitchen counter. His
time. We are inching closer to a Swedish-style culture
reasoning? 'Because I'm not a little bitch'.
of parenthood, where it’s assumed that men need
4. A man refused to use an umbrella in the rain because it
to do their bit and adjust their careers accordingly –
had a phallic shape and he didn’t want to appear as if he
even if, so far, behaviour lags a long way behind what
were 'holding a penis'.
people tell researchers. The idea of what it means to
5. My boyfriend's brother keeps making fun of my
be a man, to shoulder the burden, to be respected and
boyfriend because he uses this leather messenger bag,
loved is changing, and unashamedly for the better. All
and keeps telling my boyfriend that it's a handbag,
Hollywood is doing is running to keep up. ●
implying it's feminine. Like, what are men supposed
to do if they don't want to carry stuff in their pockets?
What's wrong with owning and using a fucking bag?
6. I asked a customer to sign something and handed him a
pink pen I had taken from the bank. He wouldn't use it,
he seriously asked around for another pen.
7. My older brother refusing to play with his three-year-old
daughter by wearing her wigs (she has alopecia)
because 'wigs are for girls'.
8. Went on a Tinder date. We played a basketball game
together, I beat him by a LOT. He got so mad about it he
decided the date was over.
9. I’m always shocked how many men think having a
massage is a 'girl thing'. One said if his friends found
out, they’d take his 'man card' away. ●
37
gabby hinsliff toxic – masculinity

10 women
Brooklyn Nine-Nine, whose wisecracking central
character, Jake Peralta, is undeniably laddish but self-dep-
recating with it. It is a running joke that Peralta’s police
detective girlfriend is smarter than him, but when she gets

share
promoted above him that’s all absolutely fine; his ulti-
mate boss meanwhile is gay, and the most overtly macho,
muscle-bound officer on the squad turns out to be a soppily
doting father to small daughters.
Some adult fans have reacted aggressively to the more
self-consciously woke bits of the Avengers franchise, ques-
tioning whether attempts to generate more diverse heroes
would be somehow emasculating for boys in search of role
models.
The all-female Ghostbusters was as popular in our house
as the all-male one I grew up with, because it turns out the
1. My SO refuses to use sunscreen. Is skin cancer manly?
draw was always the ghosts, and the football-crazed sons
Have to surprise smear it on his face like he's a toddler.
of friends have been as caught up in the frenzy surrounding
2. I had a bf who thought any form of non-sexual affection
the Women’s World Cup as they were in the men’s.
was 'gay', and so would want to have sex any time he
If this Spider-Man were a politician he would be Ruth
was sad or whatever. It was years after we broke up that
Davidson, deciding not to run for the Tory leadership
I had a light bulb moment and realised why he got so
because she didn’t want to leave Scotland and has just
pushy about sex because it was the only affection he
had a baby. He is the Prince William of superheroes, visibly
ever got.
conflicted about the prospect of becoming king. Welcome
3. Had a male flatmate refuse to put a plaster on his finger,
to Work-Life Balance Man, who isn’t sure he wants to make
which was dripping blood on my kitchen counter. His

There is not
reasoning? 'Because I'm not a little bitch'.
4. A man refused to use an umbrella in the rain because it
had a phallic shape and he didn’t want to appear as if he
were 'holding a penis'.

much I can
5. My boyfriend's brother keeps making fun of my
boyfriend because he uses this leather messenger bag,
and keeps telling my boyfriend that it's a handbag,

do except
implying it's feminine. Like, what are men supposed
to do if they don't want to carry stuff in their pockets?
What's wrong with owning and using a fucking bag?
6. I asked a customer to sign something and handed him a

try my best,
pink pen I had taken from the bank. He wouldn't use it,
he seriously asked around for another pen.
7. My older brother refusing to play with his three-year-old

which I will
daughter by wearing her wigs (she has alopecia)
because 'wigs are for girls'.
8. Went on a Tinder date. We played a basketball game
together, I beat him by a LOT. He got so mad about it he

always do'
decided the date was over.
9. I’m always shocked how many men think having a
massage is a 'girl thing'. One said if his friends found
out, they’d take his 'man card' away. ●

36 37
events toxic – masculinity

eventS
SLICING THROUGH demons and make the ultimate Bizet’s masterpiece of sexual
STRESS decision. Drift is a darkly comic, obsession and self-destruction
18 March 2022 tour-de-force solo show, about is enduringly popular for many
St Albans addiction and grief, drenched in reasons, not the least of which
How to reclaim your power toxic masculinity. is its brilliantly characterful

maSCulinity in aCtion
after stress and anxiety stole
it from you. This is for people
who are sick and tired of stress
and anxiety taking over their
life and robbing them of their
energy while they try to strive
score. It’s the story of a woman
Y'MAM (YOUNG MAN'S on the margins of society,
ANGRY MOVEMENTS) driven by a fierce, uncompro-
1 April 2022 mising desire for personal
Artsdepot, London liberty, and of a man who, in the
In this brutally honest autobi- grip of sexual obsession.

Ricky BalShaw:
as successful businessmen in ographical solo-show, Majid
DETOXING THE MASC WARRIOR RETREAT

a final act of
an increasingly stressful world. Mehdizadeh (Hollyoaks, War
20 February 2022 4 March 2022
Horse) traces the origin of his

Work in progreSS
Our Town Brewery, Lancaster The Mind Ninja Academy
BOYS CRY own personal struggles with

friendship
Any male-identifying people The warrior's retreat men's
20 March 2022 anger and probes the unspoken
are invited to join us to circle at the Mind Ninja
6 February 2022 New Wimbledon Theatre, London anxieties, desires and fantasies
discuss and reflect with other Academy in Loganholme
Leicster, 8 Friar Lane When Mark is mugged on the of Toxic Masculinity, inviting us 22 March 2022
male-identifying people Brisbane is a safe place where
BBC New Comedy Award semi-finalist Ricky Balshaw is a former way to college, his reality is to join him on his journey to a The White Bear, London
about how we can best help men can lay their sword and
Paralympic, World Championship and European Championship shattered. This life-changing new modern ‘manhood’, as he Two young men from different backgrounds meet and begin to
dismantle sexism within remove themselves from the
dressage medallist, and sports pundit, with a penchant for dark event forces him to confront battles with the invisible hier- compete in an industry that inherently favours one over the other.
ourselves and our community. daily battles they find them-
humour. Join Ricky for a reliably twisted and hilarious look at the some of his deepest issues. On archy that exists amongst men. But when they realise they can learn from each other to help them
selves in and connect with
unique social and physical challenges he faces a disabled person his journey towards healing Combining a highly energetic get ahead, a friendship of sorts forms. How far will each of them
as well as having his masculinity challenged just because he rides
BE other like-minded men.
he realises that interrogating blend of spoken word, music go to play the friend, and what is their ultimate goal. A play that
21 February 2022
horses. Ricky has performed at comedy shows around the country, his connection to masculinity and movement, Y’MAM is an explores race, masculinity, and the importance of taking a new
Cotswold Playhouse, Stroud
making him one of the most exciting up and coming comedians of might be key to finding a way inspiring, uplifting story about perspective.
Masculine? Feminine? Why
the moment. As seen on BBC One, BBC Three and Channel 4. forwards. For Mark being a boy love, appreciation and learning
can’t we just… be? Written
has meant closing up when it to let things go.
by Gabrielle Finnegan and
BIG BOYS DON'T CRY MACHO MACHO MAN comes to processing complex
directed by Lex Kaby, ‘Be.’
21-23 January 2022 13 February 2022 emotion. However, through OPERA NORTH
was created and inspired
Jacksons Lane Arts Centre Swindon Arts Centre reassembling himself, Mark 7 April 2022
by workshops and personal
Adam and Dik are men. But Star of Spitting Image, Steph's starts to get a sharper image Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
accounts, both in conversation
they don’t feel as if they fit any Packed Lunch and with over of the person he wants to be. Bizet’s masterpiece of sexual
and anonymously, exploring
macho stereotype that society 10 million views of his online Studio obsession and self-destruction
themes of gender identity, toxic
seems to offer. Find laughter, videos, Kempner is one of is enduringly popular for many
masculinity and feminism.
tears, love and even more love the UK's hottest mimics and VIAGRA BOYS DRIFT reasons, not the least of which
in a personal and honest show stand-up comics. With a 14 March 2022 30 March 2022 is its brilliantly characterful
that looks inside the dark bag hilariously razor sharp roster of Newcastle University SU VAULT Festival, London score. It’s the story of a woman
of a real man’s story in a contemporary impressions, he Viagra Boys is something akin The dirty secret of dependency on the margins of society,
euphoric explosion of colour, has become a household name to a looking glass pointed at plagues Roger in his small driven by a fierce, uncompro-
dance, clowns and puppets. and is bringing his highly antic- the absurdum of existence and hometown in Wales and leads mising desire for personal
Big Boys Don’t Cry, the new ipated brand-new show, Macho misconceptions of modern him to what may literally be liberty, and of a man who, in the
show from the makers of Macho Man on the road. society – a depraved judge- a dead end. When his best grip of sexual obsession, tries
Coulrophobia is an emotional Don't miss this remarkable ment on western civilization, a friend’s addiction gets out of to own her. The opera’s frank
and comic story. show from one of Britain's. twisted 24/7 party on the acid. hand, Roger must face his own sensuality, stark and emotional.

38 39

top 10
maSCulinity in movieS
The Beta Test
A Hollywood agent, engaged to be
married in a few weeks, receives a
mysterious letter inviting him for an
anonymous sexual encounter and thus
becomes ensnared in a sinister world
of lying, infidelity, and digital data.
Toxic says: Jim Cummings and PJ
McCabe's outrageous black comedy
takes the popular 80s thriller trope
of the successful man who torpe-
does his comfortable life with an
ill-advised sexual liaison, and spins
it into a savage satire of preening
toxic masculinity and the hollowness
of Hollywood success. Stylish and
quietly surreal, the dialogue drip-
ping with venom and outrageous,
cruel wit, the characters all beau-
tifully observed, it plays like some
breakneck, blackhearted farcical
fusion of AMERICAN PSYCHO and
ENTOURAGE, and features an aston-
ishing lead turn from Cummings,
who actually has us rooting for his
swaggering, boorish entitled jerk of
an antihero, hysterically trying to hold
Jillian Smith
on to his shallow sense of self-worth
amid the escalating chaos he suddenly
finds himself caught up in. . If you're
familiar with Jim Cumming's earlier
films (Thunder Road and The Wolf
of Snow Hollow), you'll likely have
a good idea of what to expect from
The Beta Test, at least in regards to
Cumming's unique brand of humour.
What concerns me here is that, while
perceptive and well made, Cumming's
films can be a little tonally messy: it
took me a long time to warm to The
Wolf of Snow Hollow (although I'm
now incredibly fond of it, and it was
one of the few films of recent years to
genuinely shock me). My next concern
is that Grimmfest's description of
toxic – masculinity
The Beta Test as 'a savage satire of
[...] toxic masculinity' seems to be in
direct conflict with the description of
Cumming's character as a rootable
'boorish entitled jerk of an antihero'.
It will be quite the balancing act, but
Cumming's work is proving incredibly
popular with audiences at the minute,
he's a talented writer and director,
and I count myself as a big fan. His
ability to play remarkably flawed but
likeable characters is irrefutable, and
the humour he brings to a film is sharp
and biting. If he and co-writer/co-di-
rector PJ McCabe can pull this off (and
if anyone can, they can), I can see this
being a Grimmfest favourite. The Beta
Test has me VERY excited!
41
jillian smith
Wesley
When a young boy encounters a trou-
bled teen with a 3D printed gun the
boy desires to possess one of his own.
Toxic says: The film establishes
society’s link between masculinity and
violence effectively. On the radio, we
hear that an athlete has ‘weapons in
his arsenal’; in James’ room, a poster
asks 'Are you man enough?' while
he mows down enemies in a video
game. Wesley already questions his
place in the world, and specifically his
future place as a man. This in-between
stage is complicated enough, and the
subliminal messaging around him only
exacerbates things. He wants to eat
ice-cream with his big brother. He is
ecstatic when a girl at school notices
him. He also wants to shoot things.
Guns and violence make up his fanta-
sies. He is on the precipice of growing
up, and Blake’s insistence on calling
him ‘little boy’ is just another reason
to grow up faster. The only older boys
he knows like to shoot things, so
Wesley does too.
This intersection of violence and
masculinity is the problem, but
Andrade keeps searching. The boys’
single mother is too tired to spend
time with them; Blake’s anxiety
prevents him pursuing a career in the
military; and James plays violent video
games. None of these things is bad
in isolation. Single mothers do not
breed school shooters, children do
not shoot other children because they
42
are anxious, and first-person shooters
do not turn people into killers. In real
life, the US military targets people like
Blake and uses first-person shooters
as recruitment tools, and the games
themselves are insidiously effective
propaganda. But Andrade is not
interested in this. Instead, he seems
to point fingers at everything that
might be an issue without being brave
enough to make a clear accusation.
The great tragedy of Wesley, and
films like it, is that it won’t change
anything. More young men and boys
will feel purposeless and unappreci-
ated; schoolchildren will continue to
live with this sadly rational fear; and
America will still have a gun problem.
The people most affected by these
stories – fictional or otherwise – are
not in a position to change the real-
world narrative, and the people who
are in a position to effect change
refuse. The film’s biggest problem
lies in Andrade’s refusal to blame
anything or anyone beyond the nebu-
lous concept of society itself. As the
end credits song asks: 'Who is there
to blame for this mess?' In Wesley’s
universe, this may be a fair question,
but in the real world, it is grimly
laughable.
Bankrolled
Two directionless millennial bros get
high and pitch a bold new social jus-
tice app that raises millions. Now they
have to come up with the app.
Toxix says: Bankrolled is bursting with
different concepts and intertwining
subjects, but do they really fit well
together? These certain subjects
might have the ability to intertwine
in a film but that doesn’t mean they
fit together to make an enjoyable
experience. Polo (Aldo Escalante) and
Blas (Ricardo Polanco) manage to
generate an idea for an app without
anticipating how much attention the
pitch could possibly receive. Audience
members follow their fairly distasteful
journey of attempting to make the app
a reality and gain amounts of money
they could have only dreamt of before.
The story flows in a way that makes
me wonder if writer and director
Marcos Bucay approached the making
of Bankrolled with a similar speed –
here’s a pitch for a plot, but let’s just
see where it goes from here now.
Bankrolled, now streaming on
Netflix, has an average running
time that unfortunately feels like an
eternity. Although, depending on your
sense of humour I guess, you might
enjoy this as a lighthearted approach
to the growing issues surrounding
social media and also the develop-
ment of new technology.
Goodnight & Goodbye
In their third session together, a trou-
bled sex addict seeks help from a ther-
apist for his isolating, self-destructive
vices. An American short film and is
scheduled to be released at the Regina
International Film Festival on 10th
August. The drama, with a run time of
just under fifteen minutes, has already
received six awards including Best
Short Screenplay at the Festigious
International Film Festival and Best
Drama Screenplay at the Top Shorts
Film Festival.
Nico, a black man with mental
health issues, is shown in a blurry
close up shot as he cradles the side of
his face in one hand in what appears to
be despair.
The film displays a surreal, dream-
like quality with its idyllic cinematog-
raphy of rising sunsets and trees
outside a bedroom window, alongside
hazy white filters and uses of neon
purple often incorporated during night
sequences. Although the short does
sometimes feel rather unfocused and
busy on the surface, this also appears
to be the intention of director Elijah
Noble El, who frames his lead Nico’s
isolation and aimless nature through
an abstract lens. We see him go about
his day, smoking and walking about
his city at night as his therapist, Dr.
Frederick (Jennings) suggested, whilst
listening to the conversation between
them and revealing more about Nico’s
inner thoughts and struggles with
facing life’s challenges of loneliness
and depression.
Bonnie (Bussell) is introduced
later on in the short as Nico’s love
interest, the woman who grounds
him and helps him deal with his
suicidal thoughts. Both Bussell and
El have received awards for their
performances, with Best Duo and
Best Actress for Callie, which is
impressive given the fact that they
do not share any audible dialogue
in the film. This does unfortunately
detract from the viewer’s attachment
to the character and the apparent
close relationship between the pair,
as any understanding we have of
the compassionate Bonnie is only
presented through Bussell’s body
language and Nico’s flattering words,
therefore, the emotional impact may
have been greater if we were able to
see one scene of the lovers speaking
to one another to understand their
thoughts and feelings. Despite this
issue, Rodriguez Jennings as the ther-
apist delivers a moving monologue
encouraging Nico to open up to Bonnie
and experience the small pleasures in
life like taking her for a drive along the
coast and enjoy their time together,
which drives the emotionally resonant
message home about living every
moment in life to the fullest.
Overall, Goodnight and Goodbye
presents a compelling introspective
character study which explores male
mental health effectively. However,
its overly abstract direction and lack
of development for the romantic rela-
tionship between the two leads does
reduce the impact of the film’s final
message.
Shuttlecock
From the opening shot, Shuttlecock
is about much more than badminton:
the sound and sight of sweat dripping
from the tip end of a shuttlecock is
the first of many innuendos played by
director and writer Tom Gillard. The
toxic – masculinity
film focuses on an ensemble of sad
white men who take badminton too
seriously. There’s a scene where one
player, Carl (Tom Greaves), talks to
himself in the changing room mirror
while boxing the air, clearly reveal-
ing how he thinks himself the Jake
LaMotta of badminton.
Like LaMotta, Carl harbours a
rather unpleasant brand of toxic
masculinity - which channels itself
against the newest member at the
badminton centre, the effeminate
salad-tossing Morgan Silk. The game
is set for these two personalities to
clash and compete for the approval of
their equally sad, desperate peers. And
it’s no innocent competition either.
Badminton becomes a more and more
heated experience, a sensual negoti-
ation of ‘cock’ moving between two
men. This laces the whole film with
irony from start to finish, given the
all-too pitiful seriousness these men
place on victory and masculinity.
With its mix of double entendres
and sexual wordplay, Gillard’s film fits
in nicely to a lineage of British humour.
But supported by a range of strong
performances, this doesn’t detract
from the film being enjoyable. And it
is enjoyable. The film’s art direction
is subtle but nonetheless effective;
the changing room being a shade of
green that presumably hasn’t been
used since the 80s. A film populated
by men who take pride in moustaches
43
 toxic – masculinity

and who speak like they are in a Carry
On film, Gillard clearly sets up a self-
ironising nostalgia which feels a little
distant. Though aesthetically fun, it's
hard to really discern what the audi-
ence is to take away from the film, not
having any immediate resonance with
modern masculinity. In the final scene,
Carl enters a steamy changing-room
shower with Morgan; is Carl passing
her son off to camp for the summer.
Angela hates chit chat, in fact, she says
nothing, well welcome to hell Ange,
because kids are gonna bully you for
that shiz, and bully they do. Angela,
being a total mute becomes somewhat
of a punching bag for the bitchy girls
at the camp... help ya self Ange, just
make some light talk, maybe about
your dad’s untimely death...you know,
after the father’s death she raises the
son as...Angela! Could explain why she
is a little weird, you know, hiding her
penis all the time.
This movie is teeming with B-movie
feels, its low budget vibe is iconic of
the slasher flicks of the decade, but
that aside Sleepaway Camp touches
on some subjects that are kind of
ahead of its time. There is the gender

06
over a threshold from nostalgic
masculinity into acceptance?
Sleepaway Camp
I don't know if you know this but I
kinda dig Friday the 13th, I mean,
it’s iconic, I love everything about it,
so much so I have had Friday 13th
birthday parties, Jason dolls in my bed,
and watch the movies over and over
every year. But how much of a bad film
critic would I be if I only loved one film,
and not only that, but neglected the
many films that became, because of
Jason and his mommy's boy ways?
'What!' you may be screaming is
the film that tears me away from sexy
keep it fun.
But wait, people start getting killed
at the camp, because that's what
happens at every summer camp if
you watch horror films in the 80s, and
although you would think, ok send the
kids home, call the cops, the peeps in
charge are like...Nah, let’s go swim-
ming...and then they go swimming. It
was a simpler time.
If you have not seen the end of this
movie then great, don't read any more,
because the end of Sleepaway Camp
has one of those twist endings that
horror fans always talk about, for you
see it turns out that the crazy aunt
decided she wanted a daughter and
reveal, of course, and not in the lame
way people do when they are having
a baby, but as well as that the film
tackles predatory behaviour from
the adults, toxic masculinity and its
repercussions and much more, in fact,
Sleepaway Camp builds solid founda-
tions for revenge kills.
Despite taking the whodunnit style
of filmmaking and the iconic location
of a summer camp from Friday the
13th, Sleepaway Camp has enough
of its own style, character and strong
storyline to hold its own, and not only
that it has one hell of an ending, and
when something sticks in your brain
like that, you know it's worth a watch!

May the best

Jason, what movie possesses such pull
power? Need you even ask my silly
ducklings, strap in, because we are
about to talk about the one, the only:
Sleepaway Camp.
This 80s gem opens with a tragic

man win...
boat accident, after a father takes his
son and daughter out on the lake, only
one child returns, a young girl called
Angela, and she is sent to live with her
Photography from Shudder
insane aunt, who packs Angela and

45
jillian smith
07
Together together
It takes a full two minutes to get a
really good feeling about Together
Together. Writer/director Nikole
Beckwith delivers witty, engaging
dialogue from the jump, defining char-
acters and setting the stakes in a beau-
tifully organic manner. This is much
more difficult than Beckwith and her
two leads make it appear.
So if you’re keeping score, the film
boasts a fresh premise, crisp writing
and likable personalities before you’ve
sipped your beverage of choice. And
as we follow Matt and Anna from first
trimester to labor, Together Together
is never less than warm, insightful
and lovely.
With no romance and only a few
laugh out loud moments (most of
those delivered by Sufe Bradshaw’s
sarcastic medical tech and Julio Torres
as an over the top barista), you can’t
really call this a rom-com. But even
that seems to fit. Just like Matt and
Anna, Beckwith (helming her second
feature after 2015’s Stockholm,
Pennsylvania) is proudly going her
own way.
Helms adds important layers to his
usual nerd persona, slowly revealing
more detailed reasons why Matt is
choosing to be a single father, and why
Anna is challenging his perceptions on
nearly everything.
Harrison, whose resume sports
mainly TV and voice work, delivers a
fantastically understated breakout
46
Photography from Vox
performance. Anna is pleasantly
frank and sarcastic, but guarded.
She’s hiding some scars, and
Harrison reveals them with ease and
authenticity.
Beckwith fills nearly every frame
with a tender empathy that has
us pulling for this offbeat pair as
a matter of course, making it that
much easier for her to reach us. From
surrogacy and masculinity to Woody
Allen, Friends, and the proper use of
tampons, the film drops its insight in
ways that are consistently fresh.
There’s love and family and funny
stuff here, and though none of it is
quite the kind we’re used to seeing,
all of it is wonderfully real. Together
Together is a delivery that somehow
08
feels comfortable and unique, both
overdue and right on time.
Kilter
Kilter is a challenging short that
examines the horrors of adulthood
through the journey of a man forced
to recall his child-self. Director Rob
Stanton-Cook crafts an atmospheric
and morbid mise-en-scene that
despairs the trials of living in the
'adult world' and demonstrates the
grief that comes with a troubled
childhood. Regrettably, a few choice
decisions also imply a problematic
association between cross-dressing
and violent crime; a tired cliché.
However, the film's attempt to shine
a light on the harmful effects of toxic
masculinity is admirable, and the
wordless storytelling helps underline
the unnerving atmosphere and allows
us to connect with the lead on a more
intimate level.
Nathan (Kirin J Callinan) has
committed a crime of passion against
an unnamed victim. He's burned the
body of his lover/ex/friend and now
has time to reflect on his life, who
he is, and what he has become. He's
haunted by visions of his childhood
self (Pierce Toms) and his overbearing,
old-fashioned father (Shane Rayner).
We're invited to watch his downward
spiral as he continues to devolve from
a gentle child into something darker;
something violent.
The central premise of Kilter is
immediately intriguing, and Stanton-
Cook obviously knows how to frame a
striking scene. The grim, dirty mise-
en-scene is an appropriate parallel to
the dirty blood on Nathan's hands, and
the several excruciating long takes
force both the audience and Nathan
to confront what he's done. However,
this theme of the need to confront
the traumatic past would be entirely
ineffective without the sublime perfor-
mance of lead actor Kirin J Callinan.
Callinan is all at once sympathetic,
majestic, and frantic, and he delivers
the emotional devastation felt by
Nathan with a fierce believability.
Thematically, Kilter starts off strong.
The exploration of one's upbringing
vs who they truly are is a relevant
and impactful topic, and it is gener-
ally well-developed. The film's more
experimental scenes which blend
past and present allow us to witness
Nathan's father's disparaging attitude
to his sensitive son without the need
for words. Indeed, the wordlessness
of the piece works marvellously, as
Stanton-Cook rightly puts the focus
on the purile devolution of the main
character.
Overall, however, Kilter demon-
strates an emotive and compelling
expression of grief and regret. It is
well shot and well-acted and its
foreboding soundtrack supports its
impactful sound design and dialogue-
less storytelling.
Kilter a disturbing, human tale with
09
a slightly muddled message, but a
phenomenal lead performance.
Funny face
Though writer/director Tim Sutton’s
latest is more a collection of images
and moments than a strictly plotted
narrative, the story that unfolds is kind
of a bittersweet wonder. An isolated
youngish man (Cosmo Jarvis) rails
against the impending destruction of
his neighborhood, a community he
haunts wearing a happy Halloween
mask. An act of kindness at a nearby
convenience store, though, brings
Photography from IMDb
about a surprising and really lovely
friendship. Jarvis, who was so good
in last year’s Calm with Horses,
convinces again as an outsider with
a lot of pent-up anger but an other-
wise sweet heart. There’s a mixture
of brutality and vulnerability in the
portrayal that calls to mind Tom Hardy
or even Brando – although, given a
particular preoccupation in the film,
he may be aiming for James Dean.
Newcomer Dela Meskienyar
matches him step for step as another
outsider, also angry at circumstances
that feel beyond control, also hiding
her face. It’s a remarkable and never
forced kind of parallelism Sutton
develops–a lost quality that he sees in
every character. He uses this thread
to braid disparate lives together and
to create a sense of empathy, even
toward the most loathsome among us.
Sutton is no stranger to tales of
white male alienation, bruised mascu-
linity, and an almost childlike struggle
with our primal nature. Both his first
feature Dark Night (which deals with
the 2012 Aurora shooting), and his
toxic – masculinity
follow up, Donnybook (about bare
knuckle brawls in addiction-riddled
Ohio) illustrate his interest.
Funny Face, though, marks a step
toward something more stylish. The
film has a retro vibe, like a long-lost
Seventies indie set in Brooklyn. Given
the of-the-moment storyline, this
offers his film the timeless quality
of a fairy tale–a theme he develops
with imagery of equal parts urban
realism and magical whimsy. A sense
of mourning fuels Funny Face. While
Sutton’s film is intimately linked to
its Brooklyn setting, that exact same
mourning informs Lesotho’s beautiful
This Is Not a Burial, It’s a Resurrection,
also releasing this week. Unchecked
capitalism is a global cancer, it would
seem. All of Sutton’s films contex-
tualize human struggle within the
context of community. This has never
been truer than it is with Funny Face,
a comment on the way greed destroys
history and the sense of place, leaving
nothing in that emptiness, even for
10
those who profit.
In full bloom
Where many filmmakers find brutality
in the to-the-death mindset of
contests of will and might, filmmakers
Reza Ghassemi and Adam VillaSenor
find beauty. Delicate, flowering beauty.
Every living thing is at the height of
its natural power for a brief moment.
After that, it’s just a rush toward
47
jillian smith
death. In Full Bloom circles that one
moment.
American Clint Sullivan (Tyler
Wood) and Japanese Masahiro (Yusuke
Ogasawara) are those peak specimens.
Both boxers will meet in post WWII
Tokyo with the world watching.
The fight means a lot of things to a
lot of people. To Japan, it’s an oppor-
tunity to reclaim some pride. To the
US, it reestablishes dominance. To
Sullivan’s team, it’s about the money.
But to the two men in the ring, the
moment will simply determine which
of them is in full bloom.
It’s a heavy metaphor, but
Ghassemi and VillaSenor back it
up with style to spare. The film is
48
much needed humor to the film),
Photography from IMDb
hoping to learn from the master.
The filmmakers don’t introduce
many new ideas here. They simply
strip away any breathing room, leaving
only scene upon scene of hyperbolic
emotion. Their film takes on a surreal
quality that’s visually lovely, often
intriguing, and sometimes borderline
silly.
Wood delivers a stiff performance
that is nearly the film’s undoing. A
posturing Eastwood type, Wood rarely
generates enough depth of character
to carry the symbolism and metaphor
swimming around him.
As with any bout film, the fight
choreography is the deal breaker.
Here, taking a cue from Raging Bull
and Cinderella Man, the action
itself takes on a dreamy quality that
supports the film’s overall themes and
imagery. It’s a solid if flawed poem, an
ode to the apex predator. ●
saturated with bruised masculinity,
heightened emotion and existential
panic. And like a lot of films of this
nature, (Gavin O’Connor’s 2011 Warrior,
in particular), the struggle at the core
of In Full Bloom concerns animal
strength versus disciplined grace.
Ghessemi and VillaSenor set things
moving in the moments leading up
to the fight. As Sullivan waxes brute
philosophy with his sketchy manager
and angling wife, the film flashes back
to Masahiro’s training.
Here we leave the confines of the
boxing arena in favor of gorgeous,
snowy landscapes where the fighter
has tracked down warrior legend
Tetsuro (Hiroyuki Watanabe, bringing
 natalie proulx
caroline gilpin
merriam webSter
michael Salter
carol harrington
cameron duke
tracy gilchriSt

photographed by helene marie pambrum