Filmmaker Dana Glazer explores the changing nature of American fatherhood over the years, leading up to the vastly changed roles of the 21st century. Concerns about workaholic distant dads have been around since the Industrial Revolution, aggravated by the Yankee work-ethic glorification of the “self-made man,” always off somewhere earning money or building empires. But the comparatively recent surge of women working has led to the emergence of the stay-at-home father, a group still stigmatized and verbally emasculated, Glazer finds, by both sexes. Interviewing authors, people in the street, and friends and acquaintances, Glazer explores the “Mr. Mom” stereotype, as well as special cases, such as Maryland state trooper Kevin Knussman, whose choice to spend time with his ailing, pregnant wife inspired the historic—and controversial—Family Leave Act. Also addressed are the travails of divorced men who feel marginalized by courts, and the bittersweet example of Ralph Benitez, who declares that the responsibilities of parenthood—and grandparenthood—saved him from a downward spiral of drugs and dissolution (although the damage was done, and Benitez died before the film's completion). While aggrieved sons and daughters speak about dads who skipped out, no such men speak for themselves; nor are gay fathers represented. Despite these omissions, The Evolution of Dad is sure to spark discussion. DVD extras include a director's audio commentary. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (C. Cassady)
The Evolution of Dad
(2010) 94 min. DVD: $99.95: public libraries; $249.95: colleges & universities. Evolution of Dad (avail. from Dane-Gramp Productions). PPR. Volume 26, Issue 2
The Evolution of Dad
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