This feature documentary is all about beds: their cultural, personal, psychological, and physical importance is examined by Peabody Award-winning director Jeff McKay. This curious film about a seemingly mundane subject takes us on an unusual odyssey into the world of the commonplace: throughout the film, we visit the beds of families, Nevada sex workers, truckers, a prisoner convicted of murder, artists, an undertaker, a coroner, and a homeless man who remembers his mother tucking him in as a child. We even visit the bed of acclaimed filmmaker Guy Maddin. From the threat of bed bugs to the transient nature of …
Warnings: M
Nudity, sex-trade workers, sadism/masochism, mature content. Preview highly recommended.
Lesson Launcher/Inquiry Questions:
This film examines the important role of the bed in various people’s lives. Older students will benefit from discussion and research following this video. Was the interview style an effective way to present this topic? What issues were raised that surprised you or challenged your thinking? Has your opinion about beds changed? According to the filmmaker, this film was declared by a Member of Parliament to be a “waste of taxpayer money” even though it came in under budget. Debate, write or discuss this statement.