Tickled (2016) Review
Uncovering the Dark Secrets of Competitive Tickling
"Tickled" is a captivating documentary that seamlessly blends elements of mystery, intrigue, and even humor. Released in 2016, the film is directed by New Zealand journalists David Farrier and Dylan Reeve, and explores the peculiar world of competitive tickling.
Upon discovering online videos of young men participating in tickle battles, Farrier's initial curiosity leads him down a rabbit hole, uncovering a hidden international tickling empire. The documentary covers Farrier and Reeve's journey as they unravel a fascinating and disturbing series of events related to this peculiar subculture.
While the concept of tickling competitions might seem lighthearted upon first glance, "Tickled" effectively peels back the layers to reveal the dark underbelly of this niche interest, painting a surreal picture that leaves audiences shocked and intrigued. Through their extensive research and gripping storytelling, Farrier and Reeve bring to light the sinister power dynamics and manipulation prevalent in this unique world.
Origins of 'Tickled' Documentary
In 2016, the world was introduced to the peculiar and intriguing story of competitive endurance tickling through the documentary titled 'Tickled.' It was directed by David Farrier, a New Zealand journalist, and Dylan Reeve, a television producer. The documentary delves deep into the fascinating and mysterious world of this bizarre sport that piqued Farrier's interest.
David Farrier initially stumbled upon the online videos featuring young men being tickled in various competitions. Curiosity led him to reach out to the company behind these events, Jane O'Brien Media. Instead of a welcoming response, Farrier was met with hostility and legal threats. Intrigued by the secrecy surrounding this unusual activity, Farrier, along with Reeve, decided to create a documentary that uncovers the truth.
As they further investigated, the duo uncovered a twisted web of manipulation, exploitation, and harassment. The documentary exposed the involvement of a central figure named David D’Amato who orchestrated the whole endurance tickling operation under various aliases. It revealed how he used deceitful tactics to recruit, blackmail, and control the participants, often leaving them with long-lasting negative consequences.
Throughout the making of 'Tickled,' the filmmakers faced many challenges, including lawsuits, intimidation attempts, and private investigators tracking their every move. Despite these obstacles, they persisted and brought to light the dark underbelly of a seemingly innocent and quirky online subculture.
The documentary has garnered critical acclaim, shedding light on the power imbalance in relationships, the potential dangers of online interactions, and the importance of investigating strange phenomena, no matter how innocent they may initially seem. In the end, 'Tickled' remains a testament to the courage, determination, and journalistic integrity of its creators.
Filmmaker's Journey
David Farrier
David Farrier is a well-known New Zealand journalist and television presenter. With a background in reporting on the unorthodox and unusual, David stumbled upon the strange world of competitive tickling. Intrigued by this peculiar subculture, he decided to investigate further, which eventually led to the creation of the documentary "Tickled."
Throughout the filmmaking journey, David encountered numerous obstacles and resistance. He was sent legal threats and was harassed both online and offline by the subjects of his investigation. Nevertheless, David persisted with determination, uncovering a dark web of exploitation and manipulation within the tickling world.
Dylan Reeve
Dylan Reeve is a skilled editor, director, and technical guru with years of experience working in the film and television industry. As David Farrier's friend and co-director, Dylan joined the quest to unearth the truth behind the tickling empire. Together, they delved into the financial and emotional manipulation at the heart of this bizarre subculture.
Dylan's technical expertise played a critical role in the documentary's creation. He managed the logistical and editing aspects of the project, ensuring that the film was seamlessly crafted from hours of raw footage. As their investigation developed, Dylan also became a key player in unveiling the secretive individuals behind the tickling videos.
The collaboration between David Farrier and Dylan Reeve resulted in the compelling and eye-opening documentary, "Tickled." Their unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth exposed the darker side of competitive tickling and brought viewers a rare glimpse into this strange and secretive world.
Main Theme: Competitive Endurance Tickling
The documentary Tickled revolves around the peculiar world of competitive endurance tickling where contestants must withstand being tickled for extended periods. David Farrier, a New Zealand journalist, stumbled upon this obscure phenomenon and decided to investigate its origins, leading to numerous shocking discoveries.
The film delves into the reasons why some individuals are drawn to this niche competition. It exposes the participant's mindset, exhibiting their dedication to this peculiar sport and their ability to withstand the tickling sensation for prolonged periods.
Additionally, Tickled sheds light on the power dynamics and dark underbelly of this seemingly innocent activity. Farrier uncovers disturbing facts about the individuals who finance and facilitate the competitions, revealing a world of manipulation, coercion, and exploitation.
Throughout the documentary, the audience is taken on a roller-coaster journey that starts with innocent curiosity and quickly spirals into tension as Farrier faces legal threats and various attempts to hinder his investigation. This exploration of competitive endurance tickling offers a harrowing and intriguing insight into human nature and the lengths people will go to feel a sense of control.
Controversies and Legal Battles
Tickled, a documentary released in 2016, has been the center of various controversies and legal battles. Directed by David Farrier and Dylan Reeve, the film investigates the world of "competitive endurance tickling" and exposes a darker side involving exploitation and coercion.
One of the main subjects of the documentary, David D'Amato, was involved in several legal disputes with the filmmakers. D'Amato filed defamation lawsuits against the directors, claiming that the documentary falsely portrayed him as a criminal who manipulated and exploited young men. The lawsuits were eventually dismissed in both the United States and New Zealand.
The filmmakers also faced backlash from the company Jane O'Brien Media, which was responsible for distributing the fetish videos involving tickling. In an attempt to prevent screenings of the documentary, the company filed a legal complaint with the Sundance Film Festival in 2016. However, the festival went ahead and premiered the film to critical acclaim, prompting further legal disputes.
In another significant incident, a handful of individuals featured in the documentary filed claims against the filmmakers for invasion of privacy, believing they were misled about the nature of the film. The directors asserted that they had made their intentions clear during interviews and had obtained appropriate permissions. These claims were also dismissed in court.
Despite the numerous legal challenges, Tickled has been widely recognized for its gripping investigative journalism and exploration into a hidden and complex world. It has invited discussions about power dynamics, manipulation, and the need for better regulation in the industry of online films and fetish content.
International Reception
North America
In North America, the documentary "Tickled" received generally positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. The film was praised for its compelling and thought-provoking content, shedding light on a little-known subculture. Notable publications such as The New York Times and the Los Angeles Times commended its investigative journalism approach and engaging storytelling.
Europe
European audiences and critics shared a similar sentiment regarding "Tickled." The film garnered positive feedback for its unique subject matter and the filmmakers' persistence in uncovering the truth behind the secretive tickling community. Screenings at the Sheffield Doc/Fest in the United Kingdom and Copenhagen's CPH Festival in Denmark contributed to the film's exposure and positive reception in the region.
Asia
While "Tickled" experienced a limited release in Asia, it did generate discussions around the ethics and consequences of online communities focused on niche interests. The film's exploration of power dynamics and the potential harm caused by individuals exploiting these interests prompted viewers to question the responsibilities of internet users and the role of anonymity in online spaces.
Impact and Influence
Tickled has made a significant impact since its release in 2016. The documentary brought to light the dark and manipulative world of online tickling competitions, leading to increased awareness about the hidden dangers associated with the internet. As a result, both the film and its creators, David Farrier and Dylan Reeve, have received widespread acclaim for their investigative work.
Furthermore, the documentary has directly influenced legal outcomes. After the film came to public attention, multiple lawsuits were filed against the individuals and companies involved in these tickling competitions. Prominent figures behind the organization, such as David D'Amato, became exposed for their actions, and some even faced legal consequences for their involvement.
Beyond legal repercussions, Tickled has sparked numerous conversations about the darker side of human behavior and its manifestations on the internet. It serves as a cautionary tale for internet users, reminding them to be wary of online interactions and the potential for deception.
Lastly, the documentary also illustrates the power of investigative journalism to shed light on hidden truths. Farrier and Reeve’s persistence in pursuing the story, despite threats and intimidation, has inspired both aspiring and seasoned journalists to pursue stories that hold wrongdoers accountable, regardless of the obstacles they may face.
Sequel and Follow-ups
After the release and success of Tickled, a 2016 documentary that explores the bizarre world of online tickling competitions, several follow-ups and a sequel emerged. These endeavored to provide more insights into the phenomenon and its impact on the individuals involved.
A notable follow-up to Tickled is a 20-minute mini-documentary called The Tickle King. It was released in 2017 as a companion piece to the original documentary. It tells the story of the creators, David Farrier and Dylan Reeve, as they navigated the legal ramifications and confrontations with key figures in the online tickling community after the release of Tickled.
In addition to The Tickle King, several articles and interviews have been published delving into various aspects of the documentary and its participants. Some of these articles exposed the key players behind the enigmatic "Jane O'Brien Media" and their attempt to silence the creators of the documentary. Farrier and Reeve also embarked on an international film festival tour, sharing their experiences and engaging in Q&A sessions with audiences.
On a broader scale, the cultural impact of Tickled can be seen in the way it brought attention to the subculture of online tickling competitions. Discussions around consent, power dynamics, and manipulation have been elevated in public discourse as a result of the documentary. Furthermore, the documentary's exploration of the legal and ethical boundaries of documentary filmmaking has sparked a renewed interest in the medium.
Overall, Tickled and its subsequent follow-ups have had a lasting impact on documentary filmmaking and the public awareness of this obscure phenomenon. The conversations and revelations spurred by these works continue to contribute to a greater understanding of the complexities that exist within online subcultures and fringe communities.
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