The Breast Archives

Nine women talk about their breasts in Meagan Murphy's sensitively-handled documentary about self-image and sexuality. Murphy alternates between interviews and archival imagery of the women, whose vocations include ordained minister and clinical psychologist (the subjects appear both clothed and unclothed). Initially, the word "shame" comes up a lot, largely because so many of the interviewees grew up with little guidance about their bodies from the women in their lives. Girls who developed early felt particularly uncomfortable due to the unwanted attention and the need to wear a bra before their peers. One woman, 48-year-old Marsia, has stopped wearing a bra on a regular basis as she felt tired of feeling restrained and now has "breast consciousness," as she puts it. Thirty-three-year-old Heather takes pride in her breasts, but worries about the effects of breastfeeding. Sandy, a 64-year-old woman with small breasts, felt she was missing out because she couldn’t wear certain kinds of outfits and felt insecure around sexual partners. And a woman with inverted nipples was self-conscious when she was younger, but after consulting with a plastic surgeon, decided she would rather learn to live with a difference that is more about aesthetics than functionality. All of the women talk openly about sex and motherhood, but there’s no mention of mastectomy, breast augmentation, or breast reduction surgery. That was probably intentional on Murphy's part—particularly since several women air their fears about breast cancer—but would have provided for an even fuller picture. Still, the personal stories here will surely resonate with many viewers. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)