New on Netflix Instant Watch: Gay documentary "The Adonis Factor"

hyper.trophy · #1 August 15th, 2011, 10:00 PM

I just noticed tonight that there is a new gay documentary called "The Adonis Factor" available on Netflix Instant watch. I haven't watched it yet myself, but it does sound interesting. It's gotten some mixed reviews from viewers though.

The Adonis Factor [2010] (Watch Now)
If the body beautiful takes pride of place in gay culture, Christopher Hines' searching documentary reveals that while the pursuit is pervasive, notions of pure perfection run the gamut of human desire. Surveying both the cultural big picture and local scenes across California and Georgia, Hines encounters bears and twinks, muscle boys and average Joes, and his subjects speak openly about their embrace -- or rejection -- of the flawless physique.

scott_dine · #2 August 16th, 2011, 04:43 PM

It's by the same people behind The Butch Factor. I have yet to see this one but I can say The Butch Factor does offer good insight into being a gay man. This I can guess would be more aimed at the actual body stereotypes as opposed to the other which covers what people think is masculine and not.

bigmag2 · #3 August 16th, 2011, 05:26 PM

http://www.youtube.com/user/TheButch.../0/aqhbC5s51w4

ydt81 · #4 August 25th, 2011, 02:10 AM

I just watched The Adonis Factor and I gotta say, I definitely enjoyed it. It offered different perspectives from different walks of life, none at the expense of others. Insightful, compelling and honestly, on the matter of taste, it put some things in perspective (for me at least).

It doesn't drag on at all so if your curious or looking to ponder some realities of gay life I'd highly recommend this documentary.

unclecoolguy · #5 August 25th, 2011, 09:10 AM

I watched it, but I have to say that it really depressed me. Even the guys with the "perfect" bodies were so obsessed with keeping them perfect. All that preperation for the white party, and they twinks that would not eat. It all just made me so freakin sad.

ActionHero512 · #6 August 25th, 2011, 09:19 AM

I think this documentary is just okay. My thesis is research is mainly on body image disorders and masculine/muscular stereotypes. Perhaps, I was looking for a bit more out of this documentary, but I really feel like it merely glosses the surface. I didn't take away any insites or important questions.

If you guys want to see a pretty good documentary about gay body image concerns, rent "Am I Fat?" It's very 90's at times, but a great watch. I am interested to see how people respond to it on this forumn.

Alex89 · #7 August 25th, 2011, 11:18 PM

I'm in Australia, and unfortunately we're deprived of Netflix here.

Anywhere else it's available for download?

ydt81 · #8 August 26th, 2011, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unclecoolguy

I watched it, but I have to say that it really depressed me. Even the guys with the "perfect" bodies were so obsessed with keeping them perfect. All that preperation for the white party, and they twinks that would not eat. It all just made me so freakin sad.

Yeah it was definitely sad at times but sobering, I think. As is the case with most anyone on here, I've been really hung up on the idea of getting with a muscular guy... which means that means I'd have to seriously bulk up. But why? I guess in the gay community, moreso than anywhere else, you're required to look the same as what you want. But that's a terrible reason to lift weights (unless it's the only way to make you feel better). The truth is, I've always felt strange lifting weights and force feeding myself; I'd rather run, dance, yoga, etc.
Despite the sadness/disillusionment of the documentary, it was refreshing to be reminded that while great bodies are hot, sex only makes up so much of a relationship. The documentary reminded me that every guy with a great body pits several hours into it; it's truly an honorable feat, but if you're other hobbies leave you wih no time to diet down to a eight pack, don't kill yourself (that is, don't be someone you're not).

@ ActionHero: i really couldn't find "Am I Fat?" anywhere online. Though Adonis Factor was thoughtprovoking for me, I'll agree it could've been deeper.

kdumd · #9 August 26th, 2011, 01:33 PM

i watched it, and it encapsulated everything i hate about the gay community. just dude after dude talking about how they used to be something less than perfect, and it hurt so bad to be excluded...yada yada yada, they have abs now, and by the way, they won't even talk to another guy unless he's "attractive enough".

for a gay dude who smashes all the stereotypes to hell, it hurts my soul to see so many men actively and proudly living them out.

Slevin · #10 August 28th, 2011, 12:02 PM

Yeah, so I finally watched it and as a very introspective person it kind of made me second guess some of my notions about gay people.

I'm not really part of the culture as they are describing it, mostly by choice and I don't know many "circuit boys." If anything my education in psychology/psychiatry gives me a pass when I talk to most men because like the trainer said, how we think of others is solely a product of our minds invention. (translation: I'm weird) When I see the kinds of interactions they were talking about with people I'm much more apt to be thinking about the dyanmics going on than being self-conscious that I don't "belong."

They did paint a hugely superficial picture of eating disorders, I definitely agree. I think they also painted a superficial picture of muscle building in general. Not everyone does it so they can have sex and look good for parties. They briefly touched on the confidence factor, which is my main motivation for doing it. I can't deny the influence of society saying its a good thing to be muscular, but for myself I derive a sense of internal satisfaction and confidence by going to the gym.

It did assuage any desire I had to go to circuit parties, that's for sure. I think the one time someone tried to put me down at a party I made them feel terrible when I said "and did that make you feel better about yourself?" in front of all his friends :P

inbhm · #11 August 29th, 2011, 04:58 AM

watch it for free on logo.com:
http://www.logotv.com/video/the-adon...tml#vid=637028

mewletter · #12 August 29th, 2011, 08:04 AM

Ugh... Only available in USA... I hate copyrights.....

Anyone have other reliable source to watch?

Yachirobi · #13 September 19th, 2011, 07:12 PM

1. The doc doesn't have the best organization and I think a lot of it's purpose was to deliver some eye candy (and, boy, is there eye candy!) but it had good things to say. It definitely makes me think twice about the club scene. As someone not interested in noisy clubs to begin with, I don't want to deal with rejection because of my body. No, I'm not a BB and I don't really want to be one. I could lose a few pounds but I'm happy with myself.

2. The plastic surgery/facial filler section was gross. Not because they showed any freaky procedures but because all of those men looked like plastic dolls. NOT a good thing. I guess it's because I have a thing for older guys but what's wrong with wrinkles?

3. Most attractive guy? Clint Catalyst. The weird, gothy guy with no muscles. He's totally my type! There were lots of guys I'd love to fuck in that show but Clint I'd go out with.

dominicrue · #14 September 20th, 2011, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yachirobi

3. Most attractive guy? Clint Catalyst. The weird, gothy guy with no muscles. He's totally my type! There were lots of guys I'd love to fuck in that show but Clint I'd go out with.

omg that's my reaction too. You were a goth kid and now your beefy! i wish he could find a happy medium between the two. He's so much more than just his body.