Watch Modify

Modify is a 2005 documentary film directed and produced by Chris Sheridan and Thomas Daneskov. The film explores the subculture of body modification, where individuals alter their bodies through various surgical procedures, tattoos, piercings, and other forms of intentional alteration beyond their natural state. The movie features interviews with prominent body modification artists, such as Stelarc, who has implanted an ear-shaped structure onto his arm and has also performed a live suspension, and Dr. Paul B. Perito, who specializes in performing penile implants. The film also showcases the procedures themselves; viewers are presented with footage of people undergoing various forms of body modification, including the aforementioned ear implant and penile implant surgeries, as well as lip plates, sub-dermal implants, and more.

Throughout the film, several members of the body modification community are interviewed, speaking to their motivations behind undergoing these procedures. Many of the individuals discussed the importance of identifying with their bodies and claiming ownership over them, stating that these modifications allow them to express themselves in ways that feel authentic to them. Some members of the community see body modification as a way to break free from societal norms and expectations.

While the film does not shy away from showing graphic scenes of surgical procedures, it also takes care to present the individuals who undergo these procedures as normal human beings. They have families and careers, and they often express feelings of camaraderie with others in the modification community.

The movie also takes a critical look at some of the societal taboos surrounding body modification. Many people outside the community view these procedures as deviant or even mentally unhealthy. Modify challenges these perspectives by presenting the modifications as acts of individual autonomy, and examines the motivations behind why people make these choices.

Overall, Modify is a fascinating and thought-provoking look into the world of body modification. It is a film that challenges societal norms and prompts a discussion on what it means to own our bodies, and the choices we make around how we present ourselves to the world.