Watch Dumb: The Story of Big Brother Magazine

Dumb: The Story of Big Brother Magazine is a 2017 documentary film that documents the history of the influential skateboarding magazine from the 1990s, Big Brother. The magazine was known for its graphic and often controversial content, and it played a significant role in shaping skateboarding culture during that decade. The film is directed by Patrick O'Dell and features interviews with some of the most iconic figures in skateboarding, such as Tony Hawk, Steve-O, Johnny Knoxville, and many more.

The movie is structured around the oral histories of the people who founded and worked on Big Brother, including editor Dave Carnie, photographer and filmmaker Spike Jonze, and founding editor and publisher Jeff Tremaine. Through their recollections, we learn about the magazine's origins, the challenges they faced in creating the provocative content that became their trademark, and the eventual downfall of the publication.

Throughout the film, we see archival footage of the magazine's content, including photos and videos of some of skateboarding's most iconic moments. In particular, the magazine is responsible for popularizing the concept of the skateboard video, and it features prominently in the film. Interviews with professional skateboarders who were featured in the magazine also provide insight into how Big Brother helped to shape skateboard culture during the 1990s.

Dumb: The Story of Big Brother Magazine is not just a film about skateboarding, however. It's also a film about the culture and subcultures that developed around the magazine. The filmmakers explore the ways in which the magazine challenged norms and pushed boundaries, particularly in terms of gender and sexuality. Some of the magazine's most infamous stunts involved nudity, and the film doesn't shy away from addressing the problematic aspects of the magazine's content.

The movie is also a reflection on the power of DIY culture, and how Big Brother's ethos of doing things on their own terms influenced a generation of skateboarders and artists. The interviews with key figures from the magazine highlight the importance of creative freedom and taking risks in order to create something truly unique and groundbreaking.

Overall, Dumb: The Story of Big Brother Magazine is a compelling and entertaining documentary that provides insight into one of skateboarding's most influential publications. The film's mix of archival footage, interviews, and commentary makes it a must-see for anyone interested in skateboarding culture, DIY culture, or the history of alternative media. The movie is also a fascinating look at how subcultures can challenge mainstream norms and influence broader cultural trends.

Dumb: The Story of Big Brother Magazine is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.