Few films have the power to leave audiences questioning their perception of reality quite like The Other Side of the Underneath. This groundbreaking piece, directed by Jane Arden in 1972, throws viewers into a world that is both alien and deeply familiar. Set amidst the lush, haunting landscape of South Wales, the film follows the psychological journey of a young woman confined in a mental institution. Arden, a revolutionary figure in experimental theater and feminist literature, transforms the screen into a mirror, reflecting society’s often ignored facets—the nuanced layers of mental illness, the constraints of gender, and the suffocating roles imposed by patriarchal norms.
Jane Arden was not just a filmmaker; she was a pioneer for feminist art and discourse. Known for her radical perspectives, she wasn't there to simply entertain but to challenge and provoke. Her approach in The Other Side of the Underneath does just that, unraveling the mental turmoil of its protagonist in a manner that feels both empathetic and analytical. The film is a whirlwind of disjointed imagery, manic music, and raw emotion, all orchestrated to trap us, the audience, in the mind of someone struggling against the weights of societal expectations and inner demons. Arden’s portrayal of mental health does not sugarcoat or simplify but instead portrays it honestly in all its complexity.
The release of this film couldn’t have been timelier. The early 1970s were riddled with political unrest, a second-wave feminist movement gaining momentum, and a growing awareness of mental health issues, though often stigmatized. To its contemporaries, the film was not an easy watch—it remains difficult. Yet, it was necessary, not only for personal introspection but as a catalyst for intellectual and social discourse, highlighting themes that were largely brushed under the carpet.
For Generation Z, a cohort known for its progressive ideals and commitment to social justice, Arden’s work serves as a cinematic relic from a past that mirrors the ongoing struggles we face today. Arden’s film has always been more of a dialogue than a monologue. It invites us to speak about the unspeakable, to confront our prejudices, and to recognize the invisible shackles that bind. While society has evolved considerably since the 1970s, the issues of mental health and feminism are still not entirely resolved. The film gains its power from its raw honesty, forcing us to acknowledge the discomfort and complexity of such topics.
Yet, while Arden champions liberation, the film also serves as a reminder of the harsh realities faced by those who dare to break free from societal norms. By framing its narrative through the lens of a mental institution—an allegory for how society often meets non-conformity with restriction—Arden critiques the outdated notion that compliance equates to normalcy. Critics of the film may argue that it’s chaotic and unstructured, much like the thoughts it plays with. Indeed, it doesn’t follow the typical linear plotlines or character arcs. Instead, it opts for chaos, a choice that might resonate more with the Gen Z appreciation for authenticity over polished facades.
In today's context, where conversations around mental health have become more open and more societally accepted, there’s still room to grow. Discussions are not bound by the traditional borders and neither should be our understanding of cinema. Arden, through her film, teaches us an important lesson in empathy by feeling rather than simply interpreting. This style of filmmaking is beneficial, not only as art but as a societal tool.
A socially conscious Gen Z may find themselves enamored by the film’s core messages, though perhaps vexed by its resistance to easy answers. Much like dealing with real issues, the film does not give us comfort or solutions on a silver platter. Instead, it asks us to embrace discomfort, to sit in the ambiguity, and to learn from it. Empathy, after all, doesn't always come from understanding, but from the willingness to sit with the uncomfortable reality of someone else's experience.
While Arden’s film is sometimes dismissed as too Avant Garde for mainstream consumption, there’s immense value in its perspective. It serves as a reminder that art is not only a reflection of society but an instigator for change. In embracing these layers, The Other Side of the Underneath becomes more than a film; it becomes a compass, directing societal understanding towards a future where empathy and equality are at the forefront. For the modern viewer willing to explore its depths, the film continues to challenge the perception of what it means to truly see and be seen.