Tickled

Tickled

Tickled is a documentary film directed by David Farrier and Dylan Reeve, released in 2016. The film explores the world of competitive endurance tickling, a bizarre and controversial subculture that combines tickling with power dynamics and control.

Background

The origins of competitive endurance tickling can be traced back to the early 1990s when videos featuring young men being tickled surfaced online. These videos were often presented as harmless and playful, but as Farrier and Reeve delve deeper into the subject, they uncover a darker side to this seemingly innocent activity.

Synopsis

The documentary follows Farrier, a New Zealand journalist, as he stumbles upon a video of competitive endurance tickling and becomes intrigued by the concept. He decides to investigate further and reaches out to Jane O'Brien Media, the company behind the tickling videos, to request an interview. However, instead of receiving a positive response, Farrier is met with hostility and threats of legal action.

Undeterred, Farrier and Reeve travel to the United States to uncover the truth behind competitive endurance tickling. They interview former participants, some of whom claim to have been manipulated and exploited by Jane O'Brien Media. The filmmakers also encounter resistance from the company, which goes to great lengths to protect its reputation and prevent the release of the documentary.

Themes

Tickled raises several important themes and questions about power, control, and consent. The film explores how seemingly harmless activities can be used as tools for manipulation and exploitation. It also highlights the importance of investigative journalism in uncovering hidden truths and holding individuals and organizations accountable for their actions.

Reception

Upon its release, Tickled received critical acclaim for its unique subject matter and compelling storytelling. The film currently holds a rating of 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising its ability to shed light on a little-known subculture while maintaining a captivating narrative.

Legacy

Tickled sparked a global conversation about the ethics of competitive endurance tickling and the boundaries of consent. The documentary prompted further investigations into Jane O'Brien Media and led to legal action against the company. It also served as a reminder of the power of documentary filmmaking in exposing hidden truths and bringing about social change.

See also

• Documentary film
• Investigative journalism
• Consent

External links

• Official website
• Tickled on IMDb