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I Love My Nails

Katherine Freeman, 2000

This documentary focuses on two nail salons and two of their most loyal clients. Although the women are very different, they clearly share an obsession: both seeming to place more importance on their nails than on any other aspect of their life. The salon employees abstain from passing any comment or judgement during the film, with one exception, when one acknowledges, “Nails are like drugs. Once you start, to stop is a problem.”

Clip Details

Genre: Documentary

Country of Origin: UK

Medium/Content: Non-Fiction, Colour, Sound, Live Action

Clip Length: 10:00

Age Group: S4-S6

Classroom Activities

  • Cover the screen and listen to the soundtrack before showing the film for the first time. When the sound of the beach fades in, ask the students what they think the film is about. Discuss why they think this and how the sounds make them feel.
  • How many colours were there in the opening 15 seconds of the film?
  • How many different shots can you see in the film? Look for examples of close-ups, long shots and medium shots.
  • Discuss the narrative effect of moving the camera in films. Look for examples of camera pans, tracking shots and handheld shots in this film. Discuss why they are used here and what effect these have in the storytelling.
  • Freeze the film when the close-up of the beach scene is full frame. Does this seem like a realistic image in the context of what has been seen before in the film? Why has the filmmaker chosen to show this?
  • Telescoping and shortening time is a constant element in the storytelling of this film. Look for examples of transitions and editing that indicate a passage of time or a linking of ideas in the subject matter.
  • Discuss how film transitions and editing compares to written prose when a story needs to indicate, for instance, a passage of time or moments in the story when things ‘move on to the next part’.
  • What do you think is the tone of this film? Light-hearted or serious? Why?
  • Look for instances where sound and ‘spot sound’ is used to create atmosphere and meaning.
  • Did the ladies in the film seem to think there was anything wrong with them getting their nails done and spending time or money on looking good?
  • Does the film seem to take any stance or point of view on the subject matter?
  • Would this film tempt you to have your nails manicured and painted?
  • The women in the film are mainly middle-aged. What do you think about older women painting their nails, wearing trendy clothes and so on?
  • What is ageism? Are you aware that ageism exists? Can you think of examples of different kinds of ageism?
  • Discuss the following statement in relation to the film: “There is no harm in having your nails painted, it is just a bit of fun.”
  • Discuss the following statement in relation to the film: “Painted nails look cheap and nasty.”
  • Discuss the following statement in relation to the film: “Having your nails done is an expensive indulgence that is wrong when so many people struggle to make ends meet.”
  • Discuss the following statement in relation to the film: “People who have painted nails do it for attention rather than for pleasure.”

Write a screenplay about an elderly person who breaks convention in some way.

Using a microphone, record an alternative soundtrack that totally changes the narrative and the atmosphere of the film (could be voiceover and/or music).

Clip Details

Genre: Documentary

Country of Origin: UK

Medium/Content: Non-Fiction, Colour, Sound, Live Action

Clip Length: 10:00

Education Level: Senior Phase