D'Inked: A Tattoo Removal Documentary

D'Inked: A Tattoo Removal Documentary is a 2017 thought-provoking and eye-opening film that explores the burgeoning field of tattoo removal. The storyline is centred around an intimate journey of self-discovery, change, and renewal. Benjamin Corn, a former television news producer, directs this fascinating feature. The film uses a mixture of storytelling styles, including emotional personal narratives, expert interviews, and visually stunning cinematography. This film serves as a thrilling cue to the viewers about the process of removal and the motives behind it.

The narrative journeys through the life of a man named Jake Perkins, a Colorado resident who embarks on a very personal journey to remove a large, decade-old tribal tattoo. This is not a tale of regret or an uneasy look at past decisions but instead a journey that uncovers rethinkability, identity, personal transformation, the significance of permanence in a rapidly changing world, and the human will to change. Jake's personal journey forms the heart of this timely documentary movie. Jake's transformative journey allows the audience to empathise with his situation and relate it to their personal experiences.

Motivated by the love he has for his wife and a desire to see if it is possible to remove the ink from the skin, Jake bravely invites the audience to share in his adventure. His story provides a glimpse into an aspect of tattoo culture that, though increasingly common, is not often outlined in the media. The question Jake poses is simple but intriguing: can one erase the past and start anew?

Throughout the 840-mile journey, Jake, alongside his trusted dog Murphy, explores the multifaceted cultural, historical, and personal implications of tattoo removal. His spiritual journey takes him on a mission to find the best practices and methods in removing his old tattoo. Perfectly blending facts, perceptions, and emotions, the documentary takes audiences on a remarkable tour of the tattoo industry and the technological advances in tattoo removal techniques. The viewers witness Jake's transition, providing them with insights about the human skin's resilience, sturdiness, and capacity for recovery.

Interviews in the feature involve expert dermatologists, sociologists, historians, and a variety of tattoo artists. These opinions and insights provide depth to the film and help demystifying the ever-growing popularity of tattoos and their subsequent removals. The artists and experts involved articulate various perspectives on the cultural aspects of their art, the idea of ephemerality versus permanence, the technology of removal and the value of a tattoo as an expressive form of art and identity.

One of D'Inked's strengths is its exploration of modern tattoo trends' cultural, historical, and sociological impacts. It investigates the shift in societal perception of tattoos over the decades, tracing its progression from being a mark of rebellion to becoming a mainstream and widely accepted form of self-expression. Moreover, it examines the role technology has played in this cultural shift, given that advances in removal techniques have drastically changed tattoos' perceived permanence.

The film strays from the stereotypical narrative of regret concerning tattoos. Instead, it presents the act of tattoo removal as a reflection of personal growth and transformation. Jake's journey of removing his tattoo is not spurred by regret but by the desire for change. In a world where individuals are often judged for their pasts, the act of tattoo removal becomes an empowering journey for personal reinvention and reaffirms the power of individuals to define their identity.

D'inked's vivid cinematography, engaging narrative, and compelling subject matter make it both a visually stunning and thoughtful cinematic experience. Providing a layered, nuanced perspective on tattoo culture and tattoo removal, the documentary is successful in sparking conversations about identity, change, and the human condition.

In conclusion, D'Inked: A Tattoo Removal Documentary is a well-crafted and engaging film that offers a unique and valuable perspective on the societal implications of tattoos and their removal. It speaks not only to those with tattoos but also to anyone who has ever contemplated identity, regret, and change. The documentary’s rich exploration of these themes combined with Jake's compelling personal journey make it a must-watch.