Movies with male masturbation is a surprisingly popular genre. I remember when I watched the movie American Pie when it first came out – I was blown away. The scene where the guys practice their technique was both cringe-worthy and hilarious. Since then, countless other movies have featured men masturbating, from Edward Norton’s American History X all the way to Judd Apatow’s latest hit comedy Trainwreck.
In these films, male masturbation is usually used for comic effect. It usually serves to shock the audience or create some sort of tension. But what I find really interesting is how these scenes can also be surprisingly emotional. Take, for Penis Rings instance, the scene in American History X. It’s a powerful moment where Edward Norton’s character comes to terms with his own aggression and loneliness.
Sometimes, male masturbation is used to explore the themes of sexism and objectification of women. In Adam Sandler’s That’s My Boy, the protagonist is a teenage boy who discovers masturbation while he’s stuck in a relationship-less rut. By the end of the movie, he finally learns to respect women. It’s a hilarious take on how modern society views sexual relations between men and women.
Then there’s characters like the foul-mouthed Sausage Party character, the “God” figure. Through his masturbation habits, he illustrates the hypocrisies inherent in religion. And through his crude behavior, he also starts a dialogue about men’s own attitudes towards sexuality.
But despite all these uses of male masturbation, it’s often seen as a joke or something to be embarrassed about. That’s why I was so pleasantly surprised when I saw Master of None. The show features an in-depth exploration of male masturbation, giving it a more nuanced perspective. There’s a scene of a man trying an anxiety-relieving exercise that involves him fantasizing about his female co-worker. It’s funny but also heartbreaking, and resonates with male audiences in a way that other films have yet to attempt.
Male masturbation can also be used to tell stories of empowerment. Take, for instance, the beloved film The 40-Year-Old Virgin. After a lifetime of social awkwardness and self-loathing, Steve Carell’s character finally reclaims his sexuality. It demonstrates that even a punchline can have moments of real pathos.
It’s also a great example of how male masturbation can be used to challenge gender norms and celebrate male sexuality. Unlike endless tabloid headlines of Hollywood scandals and Penis Rings escapades, this movie embraces the idea of a man taking ownership of his own pleasure.
Having seen so many different ways male masturbation can be used infilm, I’m fascinated by this genre. From thought-provoking to hilarious, it truly has something to offer for everyone. It’s no wonder so many films are using it to tell meaningful stories. Who knows what kind of ground-breaking new movie will come out next!