The Disappearance of Shere Hite (2023) Documentary Movie Review
Years ago, before I knew her story, Shere Hite was a big deal in my sociology classes. Her report on female sexuality, named after herself, was as famous as Kinsey's and Masters and Johnson's findings. However, Kinsey got a movie, and Masters and Johnson got a TV show, while Hite's work was left forgotten on dusty thrift store shelves. Now, thanks to Nicole Newnham's fantastic new documentary, "The Disappearance of Shere Hite," her ideas are revived for a new generation.
Using Hite's writings, surveys that shaped her famous work, news reports, and interviews with friends and past partners, Newnham paints a captivating picture of a determined woman. Hite was intelligent and attractive, modeling in ads of the time while criticizing their superficiality. She crafted a glamorous image that challenged the Patriarchy but also captured their attention. In the end, she faced consequences for revealing things like how few women were truly satisfied with their male partners, the widespread infidelity among married couples, and the general lack of understanding about women's sexual organs at the time.
Hite's wise words guide us through her life in the documentary. Some of these words come from the media appearances she made during the peak of her publishing career, where TV hosts invited her to shock their viewers. The film's narration relies heavily on Hite's writings, voiced by Dakota Johnson, who captures Hite's breathy tone, giving us a glimpse into the person behind the public persona she portrayed in interviews.
%20Documentary%20Movie.jpg "The Disappearance of Shere Hite (2023) Documentary Movie")
Nicole Newnham, known for "Crip Camp," had the fortune of choosing a subject who frequently appeared on television and posed for photographer friends, leaving behind a rich visual archive. Newnham and editor Eileen Meyer creatively use these elements to tell Hite's story and the stories of women from her time. They incorporate additional footage from the era, showing the world of Hite's survey respondents – mothers with babies, preparing dinner, or getting ready for a family portrait.
These old home movies, zoomed in to protect identities, along with historic scenes from events like NOW conferences and Florida's anti-gay rights crusade led by Anita Bryant, provide a broader cultural context to Hite's story. As the early feminist movement emphasized, the personal was political, and these cultural moments are essential in understanding Hite's narrative.
"The Disappearance of Shere Hite" serves as both a farewell and a celebration of her legacy. This is especially meaningful at a time when reproductive rights are under threat, and the LGBTQ community is facing challenges to their hard-won protections. The documentary introduces us to the 30th bestselling book of all time and takes us on an emotional journey through the life of a courageous woman who spoke truth to power.
Packed with valuable historical material, the film takes us through a series of captivating stories. These range from interesting tidbits, like Hite being the model for two women in a James Bond poster and her New York neighbor Gene Simmons attending parties, to more impactful moments, such as her opposition to Anita Bryant's anti-gay campaign and her connections with fellow women at feminist protests.
The documentary highlights the immense sacrifices Hite made and the unwavering belief she had in her work. While acknowledging the challenges she faced, including hostile questions and misogynistic abuse, "The Disappearance of Shere Hite" also explores the supportive community she found, her cultural impact, and the influence she had on people. Nicole Newnham's documentary both mourns and celebrates this remarkable figure, ensuring that future generations comprehend why she, and the groundbreaking work she initiated, remain relevant and significant.