Manfriet

A master of short films portraying men, Jan Soldat has once again succeeded in vividly documenting his chosen protagonist in three entertaining minutes. Manfriet offers detailed insight into his subject's living conditions, his physicality, and his attitude toward the imagined “you” of the viewer. At the opening of the film Manfriet undresses, keeping only his socks on, his eyes fixed upon the camera. One brief static shot follows another at a calm and leisurely pace, presenting Manfriet variously posing in his small apartment cluttered with a wide array of objects and furniture. He can be seen sitting by his balcony door, standing in front of the closet, in the kitchen and bathroom. Nothing distracts us, all we hear is ambient sound and the ticking of a clock. We get a close look at Manfriet’s scars, his belly, and above all – we are able to gaze directly into his steady, self-assured, and somewhat ironically smiling eyes.

Manfriet is seen in motion as he tours the apartment, leaving one room and entering another, before finally getting dressed again. Toward the close of the film Manfriet is seated, once again looking straight into the camera. He appears utterly at peace with himself. Jan Soldat has effectively achieved an attentive, engaging, and analytical perspective that never borders on voyeurism, let alone exploitation. Together with the filmmaker, we are able to observantly reflect on what it means to live in and with male bodies. (Andrea B. Braidt)

Translation: Eve Heller