Nudist Movie

[Al Bundy]

We need a good movie with a plot addressing nudism. I remember years ago in the 60's (yeah, telling my age), I went to a movie in Philadelphia which was based on nudism. Do not remember the name of the movie (age again), but it was about a girl who inherited a nudist camp and she was contemplating closing it. The members of the camp invited her to visit which she did. She remained clothed in the beginning but eventually disrobed. She became a nudist and saved the camp. There were always towels or strategically placed items inhibiting the view of the genitals but it was a very good movie with a plot. I am sure if a movie along this line were released today it would not make it to the mainstream theaters but perhaps to DVD. With good promotion and a good product, I am sure it would help getting the word out about nudism and perhaps plant a seed in the minds of the viewers.

What do you think? http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/idea3.gif

[Al Bundy]

We need a good movie with a plot addressing nudism. I remember years ago in the 60's (yeah, telling my age), I went to a movie in Philadelphia which was based on nudism. Do not remember the name of the movie (age again), but it was about a girl who inherited a nudist camp and she was contemplating closing it. The members of the camp invited her to visit which she did. She remained clothed in the beginning but eventually disrobed. She became a nudist and saved the camp. There were always towels or strategically placed items inhibiting the view of the genitals but it was a very good movie with a plot. I am sure if a movie along this line were released today it would not make it to the mainstream theaters but perhaps to DVD. With good promotion and a good product, I am sure it would help getting the word out about nudism and perhaps plant a seed in the minds of the viewers.

What do you think? http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/idea3.gif

[P.J.]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Al Bundy:
We need a good movie with a plot addressing nudism. I remember years ago in the 60's (yeah, telling my age), I went to a movie in Philadelphia which was based on nudism. Do not remember the name of the movie (age again), but it was about a girl who inherited a nudist camp and she was contemplating closing it. The members of the camp invited her to visit which she did. She remained clothed in the beginning but eventually disrobed. She became a nudist and saved the camp. There were always towels or strategically placed items inhibiting the view of the genitals but it was a very good movie with a plot. I am sure if a movie along this line were released today it would not make it to the mainstream theaters but perhaps to DVD. With good promotion and a good product, I am sure it would help getting the word out about nudism and perhaps plant a seed in the minds of the viewers.

What do you think? http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/idea3.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>



Another idea would be to simply release that old film on DVD.

Maybe if someone could interest a big motion picture company (i.e., Columbia, Lucas Film, MGM, Paramount...), into taking an old idea and then backing it up with covering the production expenses, that old movie could be remade.
This certainly would not be the first time that an old idea was recycled and updated to appeal to a new audience. http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/idea3.gif http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/idea3.gif

[Naturist Mark]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I remember years ago in the 60's (yeah, telling my age), I went to a movie in Philadelphia which was based on nudism. Do not remember the name of the movie </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Sounds like The Nudist Story (http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0055993/) also known as For Members Only.

-Mark

[PascoDoug]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Al Bundy:
We need a good movie with a plot addressing nudism. I remember years ago in the 60's (yeah, telling my age), I went to a movie in Philadelphia which was based on nudism. Do not remember the name of the movie (age again), but it was about a girl who inherited a nudist camp and she was contemplating closing it. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

The film was titled "The Nudist Story" and was released in 1960:

http://imdb.com/title/tt0055993/

It was also released as "For Members Only" in the UK

[Ken Palmer]

Hey, good job Naturist mark! I believe that was indeed the one! I use www.imdb.com (http://www.imdb.com) all the time in my search for movies all the time whether they are nudist-oriented or not. I know this next comment is beside from the subject. But I also like www.imdb.com (http://www.imdb.com) because it will tell you if a film is available on www.amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com) or not.

Ken Palmer

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Naturist Mark:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I remember years ago in the 60's (yeah, telling my age), I went to a movie in Philadelphia which was based on nudism. Do not remember the name of the movie </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Sounds like The Nudist Story (http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0055993/) also known as For Members Only.

-Mark </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

[PascoDoug]

Haha

I thought I'd be the clever "Googler" on this one.

Mark beat me by four minutes. http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/tongue.gif

[K and C]

What i found interesting is most all the movies were from the 50's and 60's. Although nudist colony of the dead was made in '91 it is a spoof. I think we are about due for a nudist/naturist video.

[bikerbare]

another movie along those lines is "maslin Beach", it is set on a nudist beach in australia. It runs about 90 minutes and can be seen for free at "Cinemanow.com"

[johny]

Sad I have forgot the name. That was movie at mid 80ies with a story about houswife unhappy in boring marriege so she flies away let husband and son be left. She goes by her car until one young guy asks her to take him to nearest city. There at the pub he meets more girls of his group, and all including houswife decides to go to his tent-camp at the lake. At the next morning she realizes that all except her are nudists, so they have a week-long sensitive vaccations without of any dresses. Of course she fall in love with that guy, but when he realizes she "belongs" to other man they have some thoughtful discussions about the life`s aim, moral, nudism etc, so she by own will decides to come back to her family and become able to get a joy even there.

If to count that movie was shown at USSR rulership, it means, inspite of marked by three stars (not allowed under 16 age) it was very "decent" (and inspirated me quite much).

P.S. I think it was French.

[Nues]

bikerbare, thanks the post about Maslin Beach. I downloaded the movie and watched it. It was good to see nudity in a movie that was natural.

[puffledud]

Alas, you will need a PC, not Mac, to view the movie. I'll just be content reading the movie description.

[NakedTao]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by bikerbare:
another movie along those lines is "maslin Beach", it is set on a nudist beach in australia. It runs about 90 minutes and can be seen for free at "Cinemanow.com" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I own a copy of Maslin Beach on DVD. It's definitely an interesting movie. There's one line I especially love from the movie, and it's said by one of the few non-naturist characters in the film (the ice cream truck driver):

"Love is irrational and it's perverse enough to avoid you when you need it most."

There's also an excellent documentary called "Naked in the 21st Century."

You're right, though. There do need to be more naturist-friendly narrative films.

[Naturist Mark]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by puffledud:
Alas, you will need a PC, not Mac, to view the movie. I'll just be content reading the movie description. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Not sure what you are referring to. As far as I know none of these movies is available online for viewing by either PC or Mac. IMDB only has links to Amazon and other vendors who sell DVDs and Video tapes.

-Mark

[Kev0]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by NakedTao:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by bikerbare:
another movie along those lines is "maslin Beach", it is set on a nudist beach in australia. It runs about 90 minutes and can be seen for free at "Cinemanow.com" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I own a copy of Maslin Beach on DVD. It's definitely an interesting movie. There's one line I especially love from the movie, and it's said by one of the few non-naturist characters in the film (the ice cream truck driver):

"Love is irrational and it's perverse enough to avoid you when you need it most."

There's also an excellent documentary called "Naked in the 21st Century."

You're right, though. There do need to be more naturist-friendly narrative films. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I also own a copy of MB on DVD. It is to be applauded for it's matter-of-fact approach to nudity. And that's all! It's not gonna make anyone's top 10 movies of all time.

It might make my top 10 films set on a nude beach but only 'cos I can't think of many others.

Vivre Nu: A la recherche du paradis perdu looks great, but without subtitles for us non-Francophones one can only assume it's pro the lifestyle.

[nunne]

You're right KevO, it'll never make the top ten, but it was really refreshing to see an entire movie where many of the players were totally naked, and there was still so very little sexuality about the nudeness.

For those who can't see it, there is a lot of open nudity, and yet in the various vignettes within the film, the striking thing is that the nudity goes unnoticed and never commented upon. It truly portrays social nudity as it really is - an openess to be free without any salaciousness attendant upon it.

Really, really refreshing in that aspect of watching it.

[nud_bare]

I thought I'd try to revive this thread to find out what others think of some nudist movies they've seen.

The most recent one I saw with a nudist theme is Confetti where three couples compete to win a house by presenting the best wedding ceremony in front of guests and judges.

The nudest couple gets into a battle with the magazine editor where the editor insists they wear something but in the end the nudist show up on stage nude except for some body paint and decorations. They even had a table full of guests , all nude.

Most of the humor in this movie came from the gay couple that were hired as wedding coordinators for the three weddings. They were totally put off by the nudity at first but they eventually got nude themselves.

The nudist parts of the movie were done well. Most of the nudist scenes were with the nudist coordinators and an ad lib interview scene. There was a short scene where the couple was shown living their nude life while working in the kitchen and discussion the whole thing.

fyi:I bought this as a previously viewed DVD.

[G I Joe]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Al Bundy:
We need a good movie with a plot addressing nudism. I remember years ago in the 60's (yeah, telling my age), I went to a movie in Philadelphia which was based on nudism. Do not remember the name of the movie (age again), but it was about a girl who inherited a nudist camp and she was contemplating closing it. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

The film was titled "The Nudist Story" and was released in 1960:

http://imdb.com/title/tt0055993/

It was also released as "For Members Only" in the UK

I saw this film in an "Art House" in Texas in 1960 under the title of "For Member's Only." So it wasn't just in the UK that they used that title. It was coupled with a short feature called "The Way I Take My Bath." I remember it well only because I was underaged and full of testosterone, but managed to get into the theatre anyway. Oh, the good ole days!!!

[Pete Knight]

The most recent one I saw with a nudist theme is Confetti where three couples compete to win a house by presenting the best wedding ceremony in front of guests and judges.


I have this one on DVD, it was filmed at Speilpatz Naturist Club (http://www.spielplatzoasis.co.uk/) just outside London, in fact I know some of the nudists that appeared in the movie, one of them writes for H&E, he and his wife are good friends of mine.

Pete Knight

[Naturist4Ever]

>> As far as I know none of these movies is available online for viewing by either PC or Mac. IMDB only has links to Amazon and other vendors who sell DVDs and Video tapes.

Mark, _read_ previous post from Bikerbare, MB _is_ available for download/view from CinemaNow.com...

[usuallylurk]

There haven't been too many decent dramatic productions made about nudism.

There have been some ; "The Unashamed" was a 1938 filmed at the resort that eventually became known as Mystic Oaks. It not only dealt with nudism; it was a romance, it dealt with racial issues, and relationships. There was a little bit of humor, but for the most part it was a serious drama and actually wasn't too bad.

Mark Storey of TNS has put out a book = Cinema Au Naturel , which is a history of nudist films -- good ones, bad ones, fair-to-middlin' ones.

It might be hard to find now.

One place that offers a lot of the 30s-70s nudist films is Something Weird Video. Their DVDs are typically $10 plus shipping. I have a DVD copy of the Doris Wishman film "Blaze Starr Goes Nudist"...circa 1963. It's a hoot.

In the 1980s we saw the release of "Educating Julie"... as a nudist, I thought there were a few things in it that NEVER should have been included in an instructional / promotional nudist production. It's dated, the acting is bad (career-enders for both of the main actors) but it is the best of a bad lot.

[nosockstoday]

This film (Maslin Beach) also seems to throw in sex too. I wouldn't recommend it as family naturism or to a family either.

[fredm74]

I own the movie "Confetti" as well, saw it a few months ago and my favorite scene was the nude wedding. It showed nudism in an extremely positive light, and the movie itself is quite funny.

-Fred

[almclatchie]

do you watch it free? Says $1.99 for me.
another movie along those lines is "maslin Beach", it is set on a nudist beach in australia. It runs about 90 minutes and can be seen for free at "Cinemanow.com"

My mates sister was in the movie and I would love to get him a copy.
Cheers

[Skinview]

Summer Lovers has several scenes on nude beaches in Greece. Daryl Hannah is one of the stars. I liked it, but it has only been released on DVD in fullscreen format.

[nud_bare]

I saw Maslin Beach for free on CinemaNow about a year ago but I just logged onto the site and couldn't fine a way to play the movie for free. They may not offer is anymore for free.

[fredm74]

Maslin Beach is available on NetFlix. That is how I saw it. Liked the film very much.

[David77]

Years ago I saw a movie, Ile du Levant, a naturist movie made by Edward C. Walker.

His brief biography on the internet states, "His lifelong interest in nudism was inspired by a trip to the Ile du Levant off the southern coast of France, where, under the pseudonym Michael Keatering, he made one of his three films promoting the cause. Eventually he founded the nudist club at Bournemouth and helped to establish other nudist colonies throughout England.

Mr. Walker, who was married four times and had four children, was never joined by family members in his naturist enthusiasms".

The following video shows only the textile part of Ile du Levant;

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6kj1e_ile-du-levant_travel

[Mutant]

Definately check out Something Weird Video. They have quite a collection of oddball films, with many 50's and 60's nudist reels.

[redlevin908]

Does anyone have or want to collaborate on a public IMDB listing or Amazon listing of nudist naturist movies? Having a naturist-themed link on a non-naturist site might help interest more folks in experiencing naturism.

Red

[Naturist4Ever]

Years ago I saw a movie, Ile du Levant, a naturist movie made by Edward C. Walker.
The following video shows only the textile part of Ile du Levant;
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6kj1e_ile-du-levant_travel

That's not a movie but just a picture series, btw except for the townsquare and port (both minute in size) the accessible part of the island is nude (nude mandatory at the beaches and coastal path, c.o. the rest of the (large) island area, including shop + at least one restaurant)

But here is a much better naturistmovie on Ile du Levant, with a lot of scenery and good shots, in french though! We were here for more than 1 week last summer, it was great. It is a bit like Cap d'Agde but then without all the sleaze/nightclubs (virtually no nightlife) and LOTS of fantastic nature. Sandy beach is not much to speak off but will do, the more rocky beaches are much finer really. The walking is great, yes in theory you can walk all of the trails in one day, but you don't want to do that. It's a place to be truly nude 24x7 and get away from it all, completely all.

http://fichiersgb18.free.fr/download/Naturisme%20naturism%20FKK%20dumas_levant_384.wmv

[HabaneroSting]

I have an interest in producing documentaries. I have done smaller video production projects in the past. I put together some thoughts on an eventual nudist documentary I would work on. The premise is to introduce non-nudists to the practice by showing what nudists actually do and are not flashers, exhibitionists or swingers, and not preach to the choir. I definitely think an updated nudist movie is needed. I have a script outline. Anyone want to be an actor or part of the crew?

[usuallylurk]

I have an interest in producing documentaries. I have done smaller video production projects in the past. I put together some thoughts on an eventual nudist documentary I would work on. The premise is to introduce non-nudists to the practice by showing what nudists actually do and are not flashers, exhibitionists or swingers, and not preach to the choir. I definitely think an updated nudist movie is needed. I have a script outline. Anyone want to be an actor or part of the crew?


Uh, isn't that what CFI is trying to do? Of course, that's more journalistic than theatrical.

But going one step further, we need all the positive media production we can get -- without commercial media types trying to write in lame jokes, as they usually do.

[redlevin908]

Sounds like a great idea. I have seen at least one documentary on National Geographic regarding nudism. They seem to be very well done and, due to the reputation of National Geographic, very credible.

I wouldn't shy away from the humor - to me it helps in breaking down barriers, demonstrating that we're not taking ourselves too serious and recongnizing a fundamental reality (to non-nudists, this stuff is pretty funny).

[deafnwsport05]

IT might be french or from london! dont know for sure abt movie title

[simonsebs]

We need a good movie with a plot addressing nudism. I remember years ago in the 60's (yeah, telling my age), I went to a movie in Philadelphia which was based on nudism. Do not remember the name of the movie (age again), but it was about a girl who inherited a nudist camp and she was contemplating closing it. The members of the camp invited her to visit which she did. She remained clothed in the beginning but eventually disrobed. She became a nudist and saved the camp. There were always towels or strategically placed items inhibiting the view of the genitals but it was a very good movie with a plot. I am sure if a movie along this line were released today it would not make it to the mainstream theaters but perhaps to DVD. With good promotion and a good product, I am sure it would help getting the word out about nudism and perhaps plant a seed in the minds of the viewers.

What do you think? http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/idea3.gif


Act Naturally (http://www.actnaturallymovie.com/page2.html)

This movie is suppose to come out in 2010. Hopefully it will have a positive message.

[Mutant]

Most modern attempts at making a nudist film have been dreadful. Maslin Beach was almost unwatchable, like a naked daytime soap opera. The concept was good, because preachy documentaries aren't very effective. But the film was beyond bad. Documentaries seem only to reinforce the idea that nudism is an activity for retirees.

It's almost like there's a fear that making something beautiful will "cheapen" the nudist idea, so filmakers always have to remove all traces of "fantasy" at any cost.

It reminds me of an episode of some talk show I saw as a kid, where nudists were on stage wrapped up in yellowed towels, showing off their scars and crusty feet as evidence of their completely non-sexual "body acceptance."

I can assure you, all of my friends grimmace when I utter the word nudism, so the effort has paid off.

The Sigur Ros video for the song Gobbledygook is a great example of a beautiful "nudist" film, though it doesn't claim to be that.

[Noodlebug]

I'm aware of a couple of serious French efforts - unfortunately I haven't seen them, just a couple of clips.

One is called Les Textiles (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0407251/) the other I think was a TV movie, it was called La Fonte des Neiges (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1354003/) (the melting of the snow?)

Would love to see full versions with subtitles, likewise Maslin Beach, but they aren't the sort of films that pop up on TCM...

[NudonyII]

I'm aware of a couple of serious French efforts - unfortunately I haven't seen them, just a couple of clips.

One is called Les Textiles (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0407251/) the other I think was a TV movie, it was called La Fonte des Neiges (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1354003/) (the melting of the snow?)

Would love to see full versions with subtitles, likewise Maslin Beach, but they aren't the sort of films that pop up on TCM...

Well..."Les Textiles" focuses to a large degree on exhibitionism and the swinger subculture...not exactly nudist friendly. It was "disowned" by the French nudist association (FFN). It's a full length feature film; I think it's release was nationwide. I've never heard of "La Fonte des Neiges" (your translation is correct), which is a short, the synopsis sounds interesting-but nudism seems to be the backdrop; the story seems to be about sexual awakening:

"Lorsqu'il arrive dans le camping naturiste où le traîne sa mère, Léo, douze ans, croit défaillir. Jusqu'à ce qu'il fasse la rencontre d'Antoinette et de ses champignons magiques."

"When he arrives at the naturist camping where his mother drags him, Leo, aged 12, feels faint. Until he meets Antoinette and her magic mushrooms."

http://www.malicieux.com/galleries/f_2816.html

[Centauri4]

With all the ThisTube, ThatTube, digital "film", web cams and people creating their own media I think it will only be a matter of time before there are hundreds of new short films! There is also animation and "CGI" or any of the various other software technologies (Shockwave, Flash, etc) that could lead to new animations or anime.

Some of these things have already begun appearing whether serious attempts, interviews or spoofs of nudism, they all make it known.

~

[Ken Palmer]

Hey K and C. Yes, this is a good idea as well as a good attitude to go along with it. But nevertheless, I wish us all the luck on it. I just don't think the general public will ever be ready for a movie or DVD revolving around the subject of nudism or naturism. I believe we are just too shy or have a stubborn negative perception of the nudist philosophy which will largely work against us even though a lot of people may never admit it. I firmly believe that is our worst enemy.

Ken Palmer




What i found interesting is most all the movies were from the 50's and 60's. Although nudist colony of the dead was made in '91 it is a spoof. I think we are about due for a nudist/naturist video.

[Agde]

Maybe we don't need a whole nudist movie so much as just a script showing a different clothing routine. In movies, the first thing I see people doing when they get out of bed in the morning is pulling on a pair of trousers. In my household, it would never occur to anyone to reach for clothing until after all the teethbrushing, shaving, makeup, hairstyling, etc is done. Accessories like eye glasses, watches and jewelry are actually the next step. Then if we're staying around home, we're all set. Clothing is a further step, another level of accessorizing, usually faced earliest after morning coffee,

So again, maybe we don't need a whole nudist movie so much as just a script showing the lead characters only dressing up when its time to leap into their squad car to chase the bad guys, then stripping back to normal when they get home to drink a scotch and bandage their wounds.

The order people do things makes a difference because of the natural breakpoints to decide about clothing. If you've already put on trousers, you'd have to make some decision to take them off to be nude around the house. But if you only get to the dressing part later in the routine when you are actually going to do something, like shovel snow off the walkway or go to work or go shopping, then you treat clothing differently and choose according to the task or activity. Same thing at the other end of the clothing process. Activity done, accessory clothes get put away.

Maybe if a movie adopted naturist clothes-changing patterns, non-naturist audiences would see the points at which they choose to wear needless clothing and we don't. With decision points at odd places in their routine, our movie heros risk brushing teeth in the same jeans they wore during that gunfight in the subway yesterday.

[scrptman]

There are two variations on this theme in play. 1) the general acceptance of full frontal nudity in mainstream movies (particularly male), and 2) nudity as it relates to nudism/naturist lifestyle and activities. They are not the same thing.

In the first case, American audiences still snicker at such scenes - that are not sexual in nature - since they are often used as comedic tools. I agree that the simple act of showing more natural activities such as getting out of the shower and being nude for a while, would go a long way towards increased acceptance (de-sensitization?) of such nudity, but that has little to do with nudism itself. Recently though, more movies have been showing male nudity, so maybe the trend is already in place. (Dewey Cox, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Watchmen, there might be others). Still, it will be a long road before American audiences are not amused by such displays.

Providing a positive view of nudist lifestyle in mainstream movies is little more difficult since there needs to be a plot device which explains the use of nudist resorts or beaches. Beaches are easier to accommodate in a movie, but still are not often central to the theme. Making a lead character a nudist and showing the lifestyle could work, but again, what reason is there for it being central to the plot - that is the challenge.

In my opinion, having a nude character throughout a movie (such as Watchmen, or X-Man's mystique, etc) really have little to do with positive nudist lifestyle messaging, just general acceptance.

With that said, I recall that Megan Fox (i.e Transformers) wanted to do a movie completely in the nude - well, if her agent calls me and I will write something specifically for her which meets that goal.

[liberalal]

The movie I recall to mind is one from 1970 by Allen Funt, who was better known as the man behind the candid camera show.
The movie was called"What do you say to a naked lady" and rather than a main plot had a number of different scenarios related to the nudist arena. The one that remains in my mind these many years later, takes place in a high school classroom where a class full of mixed gender students is taking what i believe were called hygiene or health-related courses, designed for teaching about the human body and its functions.
In this movie the male and female teachers that come in to teach the lesson were both nude. Bear in mind that students were unaware that this was anything but reality. My memory may be faulty, but i believe that none
of the students balked, but instead, after some blushing and such, they waited to hear what the teachers would teach.
Overall I thought it was an excellent movie to promote nudism in a favorable way.

[riptidenj]

I am old enough to remember the 60s and a little of the 50s, any "nudist" movie was part of a now vanished genre called the "nudie" or "nudie-cutie" movie which disappeared when the barriers against hard core porn were broken. I don't think such a movie would sell today, it would either appear incredibly dated or very staged and stilted. Besides, why do we need a movie. Has there ever been a movie for McDonald's or Coke or Pepsi or any other consumer product?. Those products sell mostly through word of mouth and satisfied
customers IMHO.

[Noodlebug]

Has there ever been a movie for McDonald's or Coke or Pepsi or any other consumer product?. Those products sell mostly through word of mouth and satisfied
customers IMHO.

IMHO it has more to do with the millions of dollars spent on corporate branding, advertising and product placement over several decades!

But you may be right that nudism doesn't need promoting, and maybe too much visibility and popularity would stop us from feeling as special and as priviliged as we do. If everyone did it as a matter of course, we wouldn't all be here talking about it and enjoying the contrast!

[zharth]

I think the difference between nudism and McDonald's is that you don't see a "Nudist Clubhouse" on every street (and multiple ones on the busy streets). It's not a part of people's everyday living.

I may be splitting myself off from the group with this comment, but I have to admit I'm far more interested in nudity itself than "nudism". In my mind, the nudist subculture is a symptom of the fact that casual nudity isn't accepted in mainstream culture. So we create resorts and band together in our little groups where we can be the way we like. But to me this isn't the ideal way of living. In an ideal world, there would be no such thing as nudism, as the idea of people going casually nude when appropriate would be second nature. People would just do it without thinking, and we'd reap the benefits without all that backlash we experience now.

Where I'm going with this is that I'm not especially interested in seeing movies about "nudist culture" or people dealing with going to a nudist resort and getting used to the lifestyle. Well, I am interested, but it's not what I really want to see - which is, movies that include casual nudity without calling it "nudism" or restricting it to special resorts and beaches.

Maybe this is strange, but I would honestly love to see a movie that had absolutely nothing to do with nudism whatsoever, where all the people were completely nude for the whole thing, and nobody says a thing or makes any mention of it. The fact that everybody's nude is a complete non-issue. And I'm talking about non-porn, here. Imagine any mundane movie - action, drama, sci-fi, history, anything - and replace all the actors with naked people. If nothing else, I think it would be a fascinating experiment. And anybody that saw it, regardless of their reaction, whether mature or not, would be more predisposed to the sight and idea of casual nudity afterward.

[NudonyII]

I found the short: "La Fonte des Neiges"; and it's available here:
http://dl.free.fr/getfile.pl?file=/l7SAuXlb
I've added pics for those unable to download the whole movie.

And I'm not quite sure what to think.

It starts of pretty good. A mother decides to return to the nudist resort she once visited as a child. Her son quite obviously doesn't want to be there. Her disrobing right as she enters the gate (pic1) seemed pretty positive to me. Pic 2 is what he sees as they drive through the resort - and it's undoubtebly a real nudist resort. They register at the office (pic3and4); I found the Mom's performance delightful; the actress conveys a true joy at revisiting the character's nudist experience of her youth. So I was totally cool with the first three minutes.
And then it gets "weird". First, as the Mom unsuccessfully tries to set up a tent (pic5), she suddenly tackles her son and tries to force him out of his clothes (pic6). I guess it was meant to be cute; but it made me grit my teeth a little. And then it goes from weird to weirder. He meets this lovely young lady - who is also a bit out of her mind. As the sexual tension rises between them, the story takes on a strange surreal tone. The kid does embrace nudity; but he becomes emotionally unhinged in the process. Where the plot finally loses me is as he watches his mother dreaming about the resort owner (with whom she is having an affair); and that scene is outright disturbing. And they finally leave, the kid completely distraught and disturbed by the vents that have just taken place.

So...on the one hand: good performances from the actors, with kudos to the Mom and the young girl for their candid, unreserved nude performances. And the director did use a real nudist resort, with real nudists attending instead of creating a fake environment.
Storyline: the director stated in an interview that he did have that experience with his Mom as a youngster; but he did not go nude because there was no one there his age. So he was exploring what "might" have happened had he actually met a nudist girl his age. Hence his personal exploration trough the movie. I propose that if he actually was a nudist; he'd have a totally different take on what could have happened. His exploration seems rooted in misconceptions.

But now that the movie is available, watch it and draw your own conclusions.

[Kari P]

NudonyII,

Why the kid is clothed so heavily? Is there an explanation in the film?

[alfredr]

Agde may have hit on something there with wanting films and/or TV to just show people not dressing when unnecessary. I'm told that there was a big drop in the sales of men's undershirts back in the 40's or 50's or whenever, when a big star, maybe Gregory Peck or Marlon Brando, appeared in a movie in a scene where he took off his shirt and did not have an undershirt on!

A lot of our ideas about how other people do things is based on what we see in movies and TV. If those people do things a certain way, it makes us think that might be the normal way it should be done.

[Mutant]

I basically agree with Zharth that a presentation of nudity without the "ism" would be more effective. The philosophy of the "ism" is communicated through the Sigur Ros video, but there is no preaching and moralizing and discussions on how you can purchase a membership card and belong to this wonderful, exclusive club, blah blah blah. Planting two minutes of beauty in someone's head is more impactful than a sermon, and most people run the other way when they hear "ism." There are too many existing notions of what "nudism" is. Putting that into a "mainstream" film, which will, by definition be a piece of lowbrow, commericalized fluff, and then trying to moralize about "body acceptance" for two hours will likely accomplish very little. All the apologizing and explaining and assuring everyone that "God" thinks it's okay will accomplish very little. Creating images that make nudity look fun and fantastic will plant the seed. Watch the Sigur Ros video (http://del.interoute.com/?id=76e14c31-df5e-450e-83e3-f64909d20c89&delivery=stream)and then watch a nudist documentary and see which one sticks in your head the next day.

[Fitz1980]

Personally I'd like to see nudism incorporated into something mainstream but having it not be about the nudity. The problem with doing that commercially is that depicting the nudity that matter-of-factly would would call attention to itself simply because many aren't used to it. Such a film would be criticised by many in the mainstream for having "gratuitous" nudity. People would argue "they could have gone though that same plot wearing swimsuits and it would have been just as good."

One move that sticks out in my mind that could have used lots of matter of fact nudity was "The Beach." It was a 2000 film about an American guy and French couple in Thailand who go looking for a mythical island where they can truly get away from modern civilization. They find it and it's populated by internationally diverse group of free spirited hippies living on this tropical island away from modern convinces and any sort of civilization in a very "live and let live" type community. Of course everyone is wearing full swimsuits and the only nudity is during the sex scenes. I think that realistically such a group in such a place would have had at least some people who were naked all of the time, I know I sure would have. As they were not a nudist group that actually would have made for an interesting dynamic to show that some can be more comfortable in clothes while not minding other people walking about naked in front of them and everyone being comfortable.

[Navigator]

Personally I'd like to see nudism incorporated into something mainstream but having it not be about the nudity. The problem with doing that commercially is that depicting the nudity that matter-of-factly would would call attention to itself simply because many aren't used to it.

True...but if a lot of movies did that people would GET used to it.

I agree completely that incorporating nudity into movies in a way that is not about the nudity and certainly not about nudism is the way to go for non-sexual nudity to gain acceptance among the general public.

The Dr. Manhattan character in The Watchmen is probably a good example of this as was that blue Priestess on Farscape who was frequently naked and unconcerned about it...even though some of the other aliens were a little uncomfortable.

Sci Fi seems to be doing just what you suggest....now if all the naked humanoids just wern't blue. :D

[Mutant]

Such a film would be criticised by many in the mainstream for having "gratuitous" nudity. People would argue "they could have gone though that same plot wearing swimsuits and it would have been just as good."


The mainstream is always going to be "shocked, appalled and dismayed" at anything that doesn't seem to directly reflect its own superficial values, but then it will get bored and go back to watching American Idol. The mainstream isn't open to being educated, but it is terribly vulnerable to passivity, aside from the initial calls for apologies and outraged blog postings. Everyone forgets about the notorious naked movie the night Sherese gets voted off The Bachelor and McDonald's announces the return of the McRib.

[NudonyII]

NudonyII,

Why the kid is clothed so heavily? Is there an explanation in the film?

He does not want to accompany his Mom to the nudist resort. he thinks it's an idiotic idea. So he dresses up as much as possible to send a clear signal that he's not undressing no matter what.

[zharth]

The problem with doing that commercially is that depicting the nudity that matter-of-factly would would call attention to itself simply because many aren't used to it. Such a film would be criticised by many in the mainstream for having "gratuitous" nudity. People would argue "they could have gone though that same plot wearing swimsuits and it would have been just as good."

They find it and it's populated by internationally diverse group of free spirited hippies living on this tropical island away from modern convinces and any sort of civilization in a very "live and let live" type community. Of course everyone is wearing full swimsuits and the only nudity is during the sex scenes.

These are good points. However, if filmmakers can "get away with" clothing characters who should, from a natural perspective, certainly be nude, then isn't it only fair for some filmmakers to undress characters that most people would not expect to be nude? You're right that it would likely get slagged as "gratuitous", but I think that's a barrier that needs to be overcome.

Sci Fi seems to be doing just what you suggest....now if all the naked humanoids just wern't blue. :D

Just what I was thinking! Naked humanoids are one thing, but let's have the humans naked, too! :laugh:

[alfredr]

Starship Troopers Unite!