Basic Pleasure Model
Qualities that have long been used to define masculinity – aggression and strength – no longer seem necessary in our society. However, they have left a gaping hole when it comes to social expectations. Feelings of inadequacy abound among both men and boys. In ‘Basic Pleasure Model’, Rick Pushinsky wryly illustrates this through visual science fiction parodies full of bizarre phallic prostheses, laser effects and surrealistic explosion montages.
‘Basic Pleasure Model’ seems to start like any other typical Hollywood Sci-Fi blockbuster might: with a rocket hurtling towards Earth through star-studded galaxies. As that rocket (or is it perhaps a fishing float?) multiplies into several rockets and into even more in the ensuing shots, the series’ protagonist – a fictional character played by the 2017 BAFTA-award-winning actor Adeel Akhtar – prepares for the invasion. Dressed in an array of outfits and wrestling with items such as hunting and fishing gear, he increasingly radiates the outdated stereotype of hyper-masculinity.
protagonist: Adeel Akhtar | costumes: Charlie McLelland | hair and makeup: Caroline Sims | assistant: Joanna Wierzbicka | book design: Bernd Grether
