Flatly Stacked 2004
Distributed by Filmakers Library, 124 East 40th Street, New York, NY 10016; 202-808-4980
Produced by Judy Holm and Michael McNamara
Directed by Michael McNamara
VHS, color, 52 min.
Sr. High - Adult
Women's Studies
Date Entered: 07/14/2006
Reviewed by Samantha J. Gust, Niagara University Library, Niagara University, NYThis documentary uses humor to address a sensitive subject for many teens and grown women alike – having small breasts in a world where large breasts are deemed more desirable. Is bigger really better? The women interviewed for this project don’t seem to think so.
One woman who was considering breast augmentation changed her mind after seeing another woman’s scars and discovering that fake breasts felt like water balloons to her, while another said she just couldn’t imagine being as big as a B or a small C cup.
The message Flatly Stacked tries to convey is that women don’t have to have large breasts to be happy or sexy, no matter how much society tries to convince them otherwise.
Divided into sections like “The First Bra” and “Time, Changes and Gravity,” this thought-provoking film touches on other subjects like bra stuffing/padding, bra snapping, boys teasing flat-chested girls, bra fittings, supposed breast enhancing exercises, pills and creams, breast implants, mammograms, breast cancer and menopause.
Producer and former model Judy Holm narrates in a breathy voice that’s a bit distracting, unfortunately. There is some cute animation throughout, but there is also some nudity. A silly song about breasts concludes the program.
Recommended for high school and college students and the general public.