Search - Disfigured on DVD

C. M P. (selkie)
Reviewed on 9/14/2011...

A thought-provoking movie, though it can be a bit disturbing to one if they have had eating disorders. The sex scene could have been a bit less graphic, too.

Perfect for what it was meant to be

W. Sue | AZ, USA | 08/24/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The actors were real. The story is real. The film-makers tie together two seemingly opposite women's struggles and show very clearly how it is all the same thing, at the end of the day: fat, anorexic, "normal" (whatever that means), no matter where a woman falls on the continuum, the body dissatisfaction is the same, and it's all-pervasive and all-encompassing. I would not go so far as to call the actors' performances brilliant; they are amateurs, in my opinion, and their performances are less than polished. But they're just amateur, they aren't painful to watch, and the film comes together nicely despite the seeming inexperience of the cast, and tells an important story which I think should be required material at all high schools and universities. I'd say elementary schools, but there is a sex scene that's pretty visual...speaking of which, as a woman whose body looks a lot like the actress who starred in the scene, I want to say that I am happy that they showed the actual scene and didn't cut to a more acceptable view of a fat woman, meaning, as covered up as possible. I am not a big fan of sex scenes, as they go, because I would really prefer to keep my sex private and vice versa, but if I have to see skinny people's nakedness in the average PG-13 movie that I see in the theaters these days, then for once I am glad to have seen some fat people over-share in that department, too. You know, equal-opportunity inappropriateness. But aside from that, anyhow, I think this was a great film."

Amazing Must-See Film

Cynthia Corral | San Jose, CA USA | 08/17/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This was one amazing film, and one everyone should see - fit, fat or in-between. It brings up a lot of interesting subjects and surprised me in that early on it becomes clear this is not a movie about making overweight women feel proud of themselves. It also doesn't really answer any questions - what it does is make you think: about how you view yourself and how you view other people, and this includes the overweight as well as the underweight. And still it was about so much more. I had the pleasure of meeting cast and crew at Cinequest in San Jose and this was one of my favorite films of the festival."

Outstanding, captivating movie exploring deep feelings and r

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 05/31/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Disfigured is a powerful drama about women and men who struggle with weight issues. Weight is an issue for so many of us. There is phenomenal pressure especially on women to stay thin; and of course there are the medical problems that can come with being overweight. In addition, there are medical problems and other issues that are associated with anorexia. Disfigured does a splendid job of showcasing the lives, the everyday struggles, and the emotional roller coaster ride people can go on when they try to come to terms with body image issues, weight, self-esteem, self-acceptance, anger, fear and so much more. The acting is terrific despite the fact that these are not very well known actors; they certainly had me convinced they were real people and not just actors! The plot moves along at a very good pace and I was never once bored. The cinematography is also excellent.

When the action starts, we quickly meet the overweight members of a fat acceptance self-help group; they want to change societal attitudes so that there will be less prejudice against overweight people. One afternoon an anorexic woman, Darcy (Staci Lawrence) comes; she truly thinks she is overweight and she wants to join the group. She is quickly voted out except by one member, Lydia (Deidra Edwards) who thinks maybe Darcy should be allowed to join the group.

Although she was voted out of the group, Darcy wants to help Lydia advertise her new fat acceptance walking group. Lydia is taken by surprise; she's not sure what to make of Darcy. However, Darcy is very eager to make a friend; and the good natured Lydia makes friends with Darcy. It isn't too long after the walking group starts that Lydia meets Bob (Ryan C. Benson); Lydia and Bob start a "no strings attached" affair and it's very interesting to see their relationship develop.

Eventually Lydia and Darcy become closer with each woman sincerely trying their best to help the other with weight and body image issues. Darcy stays over at Lydia's place to keep a watchful eye on Lydia so that she won't overeat without being noticed; and Lydia asks Darcy for "anorexia lessons" when she becomes involved with Bob. These two women want desperately to help each other confront their deepest psychological fears and demons so that they can get stronger and no longer suffer. All along the way, Lydia and Darcy confront issues including anger, fear and the need to let feelings "in" instead of just letting feelings "out."

Will Lydia and Darcy conquer their demons and gain more control over their weight and body image issues? What about Lydia and Bob--will they stay together or will something eventually cause them to go their separate ways? What about the tension between Darcy and her mother--how will they manage to keep things under control? No plot spoilers here, folks--watch and find out!

The DVD comes with a plethora of bonus features; and that's terrific. There's an optional running commentary with Staci Lawrence, Deidra Edwards, Ryan C. Benson and director Glenn Gers; three deleted scenes; a "behind the scenes" featurette; outtakes and bloopers; a featurette on fat acceptance and eating disorders; the theatrical trailer and more!

Disfigured shines as a brilliant film that focuses on incredibly important social and psychological issues regarding body image, weight, self-acceptance, anger and so much more. I highly recommend this film."