Watch The Smell of Burning Ants

The Smell of Burning Ants is a powerful documentary that explores the disturbing world of male aggression and violence. Directed by Jay Rosenblatt, the film delves into the inner lives of young boys and the socialization process that conditions them to accept and even celebrate violence as a means of asserting power and dominance. The film is divided into four parts, each focusing on a different aspect of male violence. The first part, "The Question of Violence," establishes the tone of the film by presenting a series of disturbing images and quotes from boys describing their fantasies of violence and power. The second part, "The Cult of Manhood," explores the ways in which society reinforces the aggressive and competitive behavior of boys, through sports, media, and other social institutions.

The third part, "The Family," takes a more personal approach, examining the family dynamics that contribute to the development of violent behavior. Through interviews with men who were abused as children, as well as with therapists, the film highlights the importance of breaking the cycle of violence and providing young boys with positive role models.

The final part, "The Smell of Burning Ants," is perhaps the most disturbing and haunting of all. Through a series of powerful images and sounds, the film depicts the alienation, numbness, and despair that male aggression ultimately leads to, as well as the devastating effects it has on women and children.

Overall, The Smell of Burning Ants is a sobering and thought-provoking film that challenges viewers to consider the ways in which society perpetuates and even glorifies violence. Through its stark and powerful images and its candid and disturbing interviews, the film forces viewers to confront the reality of male aggression and the urgent need to address its root causes. Although it is not an easy film to watch, it is an important one, and one that deserves to be seen by anyone concerned with the future of our society.

The Smell of Burning Ants is a 2007 special interest movie with a runtime of 21 minutes.