Barberland

Barbering has been a noble profession for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Egypt and Greece. In later centuries barbers performed some of the functions of a surgeon, cupping and leeching sick patients. In America, "the land of the free and the groomed," the barbershop has been a social hub where men share town gossip and exchange views on current events, sports, and politics. But in today's fast-paced world is the village barbershop heading for extinction? Filmmakers A.D. and Robert Liano's Barberland presents an affectionate, tongue-in-cheek tribute to barbers, who talk about what led them to cut hair, changes in styles over the years, and vexing questions such as whether a white barber can give a black man a good haircut. Of course, some practices have faded into history (such as hair singeing), while shaving—which required barbers to practice smooth strokes on a balloon—has fallen victim to lack of leisure time and concerns about AIDS. And, yes, barbers still blame the Beatles for a rapid decline in business since the 1960s (still, a large number of barbers are approaching their 80s, and while some have no inclination to retire, many wonder where the barbers of tomorrow will be found). DVD extras include deleted scenes and a 20-minute tour of the world's only barber museum in Ohio. A funny, sometimes thought-provoking documentary, Barberland is recommended. Aud: P. (S. Rees)