Human Stories at the Heart of Technology Debate

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MOVIE REVIEW
Can't Feel Nothing
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 21m
Director(s): David Borenstein
Where To Watch: world premiere at the 2024 CPH:DOX Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: In an era where our lives are increasingly intertwined with digital technology, CAN'T FEEL NOTHING emerges as a beacon of insightful commentary on the emotional disengagement plaguing portions of the world. This film, directed by David Borenstein, explores how digital culture shapes and sometimes warps our emotional landscape. Borenstein’s approach is original, merging humor with deep metaphorical insight to draw viewers into a contemplative journey through the digital age's impact on our feelings. Initially, I feared that this film would be an excuse to trash the younger generations. Thankfully, I was wrong, and instead, it offered a deep examination of technology in general and its effects on a variety of people.

At its heart, CAN'T FEEL NOTHING delves into what and how emotions have evolved and changed in the modern digital world. Using his journalistic background, Borenstein travels globally to weave a visual journey of personal stories embodying the documentary’s core themes. These narratives serve as poignant reflections of our collective entanglement with technology, showcasing a range of emotions from desire to despair, all manipulated by the invisible hands of digital platforms. While the film signals a warning about technology, it never villainizes it.

What sets this documentary apart is its bold narrative structure. Borenstein segments the story into chapters dedicated to dissecting a specific emotional phenomenon within the digital era. This format provides a panoramic lens through which viewers can examine the multifaceted ways our online existence exploits our capacity to feel.

Yet, the film does not dwell solely in the realm of critique. Amid its serious examination of the pitfalls of the digital age, CAN'T FEEL NOTHING sprinkles elements of humor and absurdity. These fun moments create an engaging viewing experience and highlight the sometimes ridiculous reality of our unquestioned digital practices.

Borenstein's focus on authentic human experiences over spectacle encourages introspection in the viewer. This reflection is particularly resonant for the internet-engaged generation, prompting a critical reassessment of how our online behaviors affect our emotional depth and authenticity. Ultimately, I think it's important not to judge a world we don’t fully understand; I have been engaged with technology since I was a child and evolved with it. I’ve learned skillsets that have benefitted me throughout life, and despite some people's opinions, it’s not wrong to be absorbed by option B instead of option A. So much of what people judge is part of advancement.

CAN'T FEEL NOTHING will firmly establish itself as a significant cultural commentary, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the critique. The documentary suggests a future where our emotions can be reclaimed from their digital world, or we will find a balance that works, advocating for a world where technology enhances rather than undermines our human essence.

CAN'T FEEL NOTHING transcends the typical documentary into a heartfelt call to action. It challenges us to envision a future where our digital interactions enrich rather than deplete our emotional lives. Through Borenstein's lens, the film articulates a powerful narrative that resonates with the contemporary zeitgeist, marking it as an essential contribution to the discourse on our digital existence and preserving our emotional integrity.

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[photo courtesy of SNOWGLOBE FILMS]

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