The Pickup Game

I very disturbing, troubling and unfortunately honest 'unveiling' of what happens all day everyday. This should not be surprise to those that have no idea or understanding of what happens in this world today.

I saw this documentary at Hot Docs in Toronto and really enjoyed it. I knew a little about this pick up world but was quite shocked at how far it's gone and how it's rooted in abuse and manipulation. I would suggest everyone see it, to be more and more aware of the level of toxic masculinity that exists in this world. The film does empathize with the fact that these men often unfortunately lack role models and are taught not to be themselves in order to attract women.

Caught a preview screening at Hot Docs earlier this year and this was without a doubt the most unsettling theatre experience of the festival.

I didn't know much about the pick-up world before watching this documentary and all I can say is this film leaves no stone unturned.

It begins innocently enough, with the origins of the pick up ideology back in the 1980s before moving onto the subculture as it is today. And by all accounts the industry is everywhere. In every major city across the world, it is now a billion dollar business. The film shows the ideology taught by many of these pickup schools as well as the students that sign up to the courses before diving head first into the darker sides of the culture.

An extremely powerful film. Brilliantly structured, tragic and cinematic. More than worth your time.

While it's true that RSD and the other pickup mentors are looking for your money.. they ARE a business. You've got to expect marketing in all walks of life.. from McDonalds to Hugo Boss to the friendly plumber down the street, they're all deploying marketing strategies to get your money.

That doesn't mean that what they're selling is snake oil, what they're selling genuinely works. Mostly it's like they open a window for you to snap out of your head and enter the real world and change your perspective.

Most of us have walked through life with social anxiety and have been petrified to leave the house (I was such a case). RSD totally turned this around for me, I even started going to the club ON MY OWN, SOBER... the guy who couldn't leave the house! So I'll never accept that what they're selling is fraudulent, it's a tool and people can use that tool or they can not see the tool they've been given.

That said, no the industry isn't squeaky clean. Yes, angry little men will abuse the trust of women with what they learn. But I fail to see how something can be used for so much good should be rejected by society.

Saw this recently at Hotdocs in Toronto and I have to say I was left sooo frustrated. Why did two middle class straight white male directors decide to be the feminist voice on this problematic issue? Don't get me wrong, I admired the activism attempts in the film to fight misogyny and toxic masculinity but why not give female directors and producers a real voice? There was also no mention of issues surrounding the gay and trans dating scene and the problems within. Sigh.