Defining and describing what makes a man is difficult. Describing masculinity is even more difficult. Back in the late 60s Esquire Magazine made this film to sell advertisers on the kind of men who read the magazine. I never fit me. Although the film presented the magazine as a men's magazine and they hired some terrific authors and photographers to present what men wanted, it seemed fakey to me. And when I look at this film today it still does. They intentionally published the magazine in a larger format which they thought would make you feel special although it made it harder for you to hold the magazine when reading it. But reading it in public they felt gave you a status and showed you as an "Esquire man”.
I am sorry about the timecode and the word Macdonald on the screen but Mr. MacDonald gave me a copy of this film in early 1980s.
I know that the definitions of what it is to be a man have changed. I can remember when Ralph Lauren launched his Polo clothing line presenting men as “western." I liked that look although I could not afford a Polo jean jacket at the time. When you look at this film today, even if you are a man uncomfortable with the current definitions for manhood, do you identify with the man they present as the Esquire man? The way he walks. The things that interest him. The way he presents himself. When this film was made, Esquire Magazine was financially successful and definitely attracted an audience. But over time, its popularity and its ability to draw in classy advertisers diminished and the magazine changed from the style presented here.
Towards the end of the film, apparently the editor-in-chief or owner makes some comments reading from a paper in front of him. That is quite amazing. He is not speaking to the audience, to the camera, but is reading a prepared speech, rather badly in my view. Considering the high budget put toward making this film in 16mm, it is surprising that they had him read a script which even back then, as a documentary filmmaker, this looks as fake as the rest of the film looks to me.
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