READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE HERE as it appears in the Friday, March 3 edition of The Daily Journal

There’s nothing funny about going under the knife…or is there?  Joan Kron, filmmaker and contributing editor at large of Allure magazine takes a very candid look at cosmetic surgery as she follows two comedians, Emily Askin and Jackie Hoffman, contemplating a little facial tweaking.

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE

We meet Askin who just isn’t happy with what God has given her—a bump in her nose.  While those around her don’t see the need for undergoing surgery to change this, she feels hindered by it.  Hoffman, on the other hand, describes herself as ugly.  It’s actually heartbreaking to hear her so bluntly describe herself as “the ugly girl with the highlights,”  or a John Goodman lookalike as a toddler on the beach.

The film introduces us to these two women, allowing us to truly get to know them as the reveal their past, their raw feelings, and their hopes.  We also learn about the history of society’s expectations and how this has impacted women in the workplace since the 1920‘s.  Women in the entertainment industry have an even greater difficulty if they don’t fit into the stereotypical definition of beauty, but who better to explain these issues than comedians?  Interestingly, female comedians much more readily talk about their “work” whereas other public figures want to cover that up, just like their wrinkles and smile lines.

“Take My Nose…Please” incorporates interviews with surgeons, authors, historians, and other comics to paint a very clear picture of these oftentimes intangible and unattainable goals we place on ourselves.  While the film is truly funny, it is also enlightening as we learn and admit to ourselves how superficial our society is and apparently always has been.  From past interviews with Phyllis Diller and Joan Rivers to clips from ‘Seinfeld’ and ‘Inside Amy Shumer,’ we can laugh about what we do and how we perceive others, but as Askin and Hoffman point out, it’s how we feel about ourselves and its effects on our overall confidence.  Askin simply says, “You might as well like looking in the mirror.”

The journey of Askin and Hoffman continues as we walk with them through their decision of having a nose job or face lift.  We get to be there with them before and after surgery, watching the big reveal, and hearing their response.  It’s a personal journey that opens our eyes a little wider to truly see the societal and internal pressures of women.

“Take My Nose…Please” is a brilliantly witty and informative documentary that expertly blends humor and honesty about beauty and plastic surgery.  The film has its world premiere at the 2017 San Luis Obispo International Film Festival on March 17 at 7 pm at the Mission Theatre.  Director Joan Kron and special guests will be present.

TICKET INFORMATION

The One Earth Film Festival, now in its 6th year, celebrates filmmaking that increases knowledge and awareness of environmental issues.  Screening 30 thought-provoking and educational  films with several filmmakers in attendance will be shown throughout the Chicagoland area.  From climate change films (“The Age of Consequences”) to films addressing the toxicity of the electronics industry, this festival will challenge your current knowledge and perhaps even change how you see the world and live. For a complete listing of films and events, go to ONE EARTH FILM FESTIVAL

“The Age of Consequences” by Jared P. Scott will screen FOR FREE on March 4 and 5 as it takes an in-depth look at how climate change has a direct impact upon our world’s current politics and terrorism.  As our world warms, our polar ice caps melt and areas experience more drastic weather conditions creating a scarcity of resources.  Climate change is considered a “threat multiplier” as we see an increase in poverty, social instability, and wars.

Scott dissects the issues at hand  from a military perspective.  Interviews with high ranking retired military personnel create a vivid yet disturbing picture of what our generation has created, or more aptly put, destroyed.  Can we recover before the tipping point or is it too late?

Scott creatively intertwines the interviews with footage of disasters and wars around the world to give us all of the information to draw what now feels like obvious conclusions.  Seeing the devastating effects of climate change and how it impacts world peace is an issue never before addressed in a documentary.  Syria and Somalia are two countries that Scott highlights as we see an exponential increase in “climate change refugees.”  He also poses the question of how our military will be impacted, the cost in lives and money, and if the U.S. has the ability to continue to be a world leader.

Looking to our future, the film paints a very dismal and disturbing picture, but it’s not without hope.  Thanks to our retired military personnel and volunteers, there is technology and resources that can and will have a positive effect upon climate change.  Education is first and foremost and it is up to you to write the ending of this saga.

Producer Sophie Robinson will be at both screenings to discuss the film with the audience.  For FREE tickets to the March 4, 3pm screening at the Institute of Cultural Affairs, 4750 N.Sheridan Rd, Chicago, go to www.oneearthfilmfest.org.  On Sunday, March 5 the film will also screen for FREE at the Old St. Patrick’s Church, Hughes Hall, 700 W. Adams St., Chicago  FREE TICKETS HERE

Before the inauguration, I had the opportunity to talk with Scott about making this film.  Scott talks about the upcoming Trump administration and where we are headed.  While it clearly paints a rather gloomy picture, Scott gives us his wisdom and with that wisdom, there is hope.  The link to the interview is now available to stream.