Born to Be Sold: Martha Rosler Reads the Strange Case of Baby S/M 1988
In *Born to Be Sold: Martha Rosler Reads the Strange Case of Baby S/M (1988)*, the visionary video and performance artist Martha Rosler dissects the controversial surrogate motherhood case of Mary Beth Whitehead through a sharp, satirical lens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *Born to Be Sold: Martha Rosler Reads the Strange Case of Baby S/M (1988)* about?
This experimental documentary examines the Baby M surrogate motherhood case through Martha Rosler's critical lens, dissecting media coverage and legal battles that exposed deep-seated class and gender inequalities. The film merges archival footage with creative presentation to question who controls the narrative in contentious reproductive rights disputes.
Who directed *Born to Be Sold: Martha Rosler Reads the Strange Case of Baby S/M*?
Director information is not available.
Who stars in *Born to Be Sold: Martha Rosler Reads the Strange Case of Baby S/M*?
The central figure is Martha Rosler, whose performance and commentary anchor the film, while the documentary critiques media portrayals of Mary Beth Whitehead's court battle.
Is *Born to Be Sold: Martha Rosler Reads the Strange Case of Baby S/M (1988)* worth watching?
With its bold visual style and incisive social commentary, this tape appeals to fans of avant-garde cinema and feminist art. While its experimental nature won't suit everyone, it's a compelling watch for those interested in media ethics and reproductive rights—even decades after its release.
How long is *Born to Be Sold: Martha Rosler Reads the Strange Case of Baby S/M*?
The runtime is 28 minutes.
Born to Be Sold: Martha Rosler Reads the Strange Case of Baby S/M (1988) — A Provocative Video Essay on Surrogacy and Bias
In *Born to Be Sold: Martha Rosler Reads the Strange Case of Baby S/M (1988)*, the visionary video and performance artist Martha Rosler dissects the controversial surrogate motherhood case of Mary Beth Whitehead through a sharp, satirical lens. This 28-minute experimental documentary blends bold graphics and playful costumes with Rosler's incisive commentary, exposing the media's sensationalist portrayal and the systemic class and gender biases embedded in courtroom battles over reproductive rights. The tape transforms a divisive legal saga into a visually inventive critique of power structures in American society.
Rosler's work unfolds like a provocative essay film, where archival footage and creative staging collide with her razor-sharp analysis. The project isn't just a recounting of the infamous Baby M case—it's a cultural autopsy, revealing how legal narratives are shaped by prejudice. Whether you're drawn to avant-garde cinema or social justice documentaries, this tape offers a gripping exploration of ethics, media manipulation, and the politics of reproduction in the late 20th century.