Naked States (2002) from Johnny Web (Uncle Scoopy; Greg Wroblewski)
As John Cleese might say, "and now for something completely different".

Spenser Tunick is a photographer who went to all 48 contiguous states in America and asked strangers to pose naked for him spontaneously. Arlene Donnelly is a filmmaker who made a documentary of his journey. How much more can you say?

NUDITY REPORT
Pretty much everyone is naked at all times. That's the point.

DVD info from Amazon

• Spencer Tunick Photo Gallery and Biography
• Filmmaker Biography
• Full-screen format

The filmmaker turned on the camera when Tunick was soliciting models and photographing. She also interviewed people and said  "why did you pose naked for a stranger?" Interesting answers. Tunick occasionally got arrested, and got a virtual stonewalling from, of all people, nudists. The movie, like Tunick's gallery, captures something about the spirit of the subculture, and the nature of art, not just some fleeting images. The best moments are very good, indeed.

This is an interesting film. Very entertaining. Naked people. Interesting, unrehearsed thoughts from the "models". Outstanding still photographs. Spencer Tunick doesn't seem like a guy I want to hang with, but he's no hack. I really admire his B&W photos. He is a professional with genuine talent and a gifted eye.  

The Critics Vote

  • filmcritic.com 4/5

 

The People Vote ...

  • with their dollars: documentary, made for HBO
IMDb guideline: 7.5 usually indicates a level of excellence, about like three and a half stars from the critics. 6.0 usually indicates lukewarm watchability, about like two and a half stars from the critics. The fives are generally not worthwhile unless they are really your kind of material, about like two stars from the critics. Films under five are generally awful even if you like that kind of film, equivalent to about one and a half stars from the critics or less, depending on just how far below five the rating is.

My own guideline: A means the movie is so good it will appeal to you even if you hate the genre. B means the movie is not good enough to win you over if you hate the genre, but is good enough to do so if you have an open mind about this type of film. C means it will only appeal to genre addicts, and has no crossover appeal. D means you'll hate it even if you like the genre. E means that you'll hate it even if you love the genre. F means that the film is not only unappealing across-the-board, but technically inept as well.

Based on this description, this film is a C+. Pretty good way to pass the time, if you're looking for something different.

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