The Illusionists 2015
Distributed by Media Education Foundation, 60 Masonic St., Northampton, MA 01060; 800-897-0089
Produced by Elena Rossini
Directed by Elena Rossini
DVD , color, 54 min.
High School - General Adult
Advertising, Beauty, Beauty Culture, Cosmetics Industry, Plastic Surgery
Date Entered: 11/15/2017
Reviewed by Sophie M. Forrester, Reed Library, State University of New York at FredoniaThe Illusionists is one of many films on the beauty industry and the way in which it grows by thriving on consumers’ insecurities. But unlike its forerunners such as Killing Us Softly (whose creator, Jean Kilbourne, is among those interviewed in the film), The Illusionists comes from a framework that is as anti-racist as it is feminist, and that focuses more explicitly on the role that capitalism plays in perpetuating those insecurities.
That’s an asset to the film, as are its international focus – it includes stories and experts from the USA, Lebanon, Japan, India, and France – and its impressive visual polish. On the other hand, its somewhat academic tone, as much that of a historian as of an activist, renders it somewhat less accessible to a general audience compared to the likes of Killing Us Softly. In addition, the film’s hardline anti-pornography stance is not in keeping with modern, sex-positive feminist theory. The film’s abrupt shift to a more conversational, overtly activist tone in its final moments is also disconcerting.
As a result, The Illusionists is not a suitable replacement for existing films on the topic. However, it may be a useful supplement to other materials, particularly more overtly feminist ones. It is recommended, with reservations, for high school and academic libraries.