Names have been changed, details made up, but if you want a film exploring breast implants, 'Breast Men' works. Call 'em what you want - fake, augmented, enhanced. This piece dives into the history going all the way back to the 60's, doctors responsible, big boom and eventual downfall. Never boring. Never takes a misstep and honestly who doesn't like breasts?
Dr. Will Larsen (Chris Cooper) is a well respected doc who the meek Kevin Saunders (David Schwimmer) does his residency underneath. Kev quickly becomes obsessed with improving breasts. It takes some time for Larsen to get onboard and it doesn't take off at first, but when they start advertising the service the ladies come flocking in droves and the money starts pouring in. A difference in ideologies drives the men apart before a lawsuit over silicon implants centuries later crashes the party.
Schwimmer turns in a role he can play for days as a well meaning but awkward fellow who gradually loses himself to the world of excess - drugs, ego, women. While Cooper lends acting weight before he went onto bigger projects as a more down to earth, old school mentality seeking medical community legitimacy. You get familiar faces in the supporting cast, but I'll mention CSI Miami actress Emily Procter as the standout and as this is a film about breast implants model & b-movie star Julie K. Smith.
The story remains interesting because it has a bit to say about Western ideals. How bigger is almost always considered better. Both sexes fascination with breasts. Not just the obvious physical sights, but the psychological elements at play. Society's conflict, judgmental opinions especially before it became mainstream. The media's role in it. Drama between the two docs as they splitter off. Plus the sparse comedy elements work. I laughed more than once.
'Breast Men' doesn't only sing the positives, but acknowledges the risks & downfalls. Good acting with a decent story that mixes equal parts drama, facts, humor & titillation. Speaks some truth by reminding us some things never change too. A well made tv movie that checks enough boxes to be mildly entertaining that surprised my low expectations.
Dr. Will Larsen (Chris Cooper) is a well respected doc who the meek Kevin Saunders (David Schwimmer) does his residency underneath. Kev quickly becomes obsessed with improving breasts. It takes some time for Larsen to get onboard and it doesn't take off at first, but when they start advertising the service the ladies come flocking in droves and the money starts pouring in. A difference in ideologies drives the men apart before a lawsuit over silicon implants centuries later crashes the party.
Schwimmer turns in a role he can play for days as a well meaning but awkward fellow who gradually loses himself to the world of excess - drugs, ego, women. While Cooper lends acting weight before he went onto bigger projects as a more down to earth, old school mentality seeking medical community legitimacy. You get familiar faces in the supporting cast, but I'll mention CSI Miami actress Emily Procter as the standout and as this is a film about breast implants model & b-movie star Julie K. Smith.
The story remains interesting because it has a bit to say about Western ideals. How bigger is almost always considered better. Both sexes fascination with breasts. Not just the obvious physical sights, but the psychological elements at play. Society's conflict, judgmental opinions especially before it became mainstream. The media's role in it. Drama between the two docs as they splitter off. Plus the sparse comedy elements work. I laughed more than once.
'Breast Men' doesn't only sing the positives, but acknowledges the risks & downfalls. Good acting with a decent story that mixes equal parts drama, facts, humor & titillation. Speaks some truth by reminding us some things never change too. A well made tv movie that checks enough boxes to be mildly entertaining that surprised my low expectations.