A new documentary titled Silent Men explores the question of why so many men still find it challenging to be vulnerable and open up about their feelings. Despite the topic of male mental health gaining more prominence in the last decade, huge numbers of men continue to struggle with discussing their emotions openly. With suicide as the biggest killer of men under 50 in the UK, the film raises questions about deep-rooted, systemic behaviors and whether they can be changed.
The director of Silent Men, Duncan Cowles, admits to his own struggles with emotional expression. Cowles says that, as part of making the documentary, he wanted to address the societal pressure around traditional masculine traits. The idea of being strong and being “a leader or this stable, reliable, dependable figure” remains a seductive idea to some men, in contrast to the benefits that can come from being open and vulnerable. Cowles argues that, in his experience, such openness can lead to stronger relationships, more joy, connection, and fulfillment.
The film is a personal project for Cowles, and he interviews family members and experts in an effort to better understand himself and the broader context of male emotional expression. The documentary raises questions about societal pressures and the long history of men suffering silently. Ultimately, it aims to understand why many men still bottle up their emotions and whether deep-seated behaviors can be changed.
Despite the film’s heavy subject, it is not without its lighter and more lighthearted moments. The film is interspersed with footage of soothing shorelines and bumblebees on flowers to keep it accessible, not just focused on mental health. Cowles hopes that the documentary will leave viewers with a smile on their face
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