Goodbye Breasts!

Goodbye Breasts! is a fantastic, partly self-shot, introspective documentary following Joanna Callaghan’s lived experience of undergoing a mastectomy. The documentary investigates both the physical and psychological impacts that the life-altering surgery has, presenting Callaghan’s own inner turmoil alongside those of others who also underwent the procedure. Professor Joanna Callaghan teaches filmmaking at the University of Sussex, whilst being an artist filmmaker and a mother.

The documentary begins with Joanna’s perspective, explaining to viewers how the procedure works and using her own body to visually demonstrate what had been removed, highlighting the areas that lack sensation. This raw opening works amazingly as an objective observation of Callaghan’s experiences. There is no editing or music, just her body and the camera, and viewers quickly get a grasp of the specifics of the surgery. Importantly, Callaghan’s open discussion of her surgery makes for a refreshing viewing experience, as so often are women’s bodies sexualised and censored in media, seeing breasts spoken about in a way focused around what they are, organs made up of tissue, is a great thing. This way, the male gaze is removed and women’s bodies are appreciated outside of any misogynistic, predatory context so often affiliated with the camera.

Callaghan goes on to impress viewers with her sophisticated language as she describes growing up, delving into her femininity, and her experience of girlhood and motherhood in a delightfully authentic way. Her experience of living in a house full of a mostly female family, all very comfortable in their femininity and loving of their bodies, is wholesome and inspiring. Viewers get a clear sense of the vibrant, safe, female space which shaped Callaghan to grow up to be an inspirational filmmaker and academic.

Following the heartfelt introduction to Callaghan and her family, the film dives into the topic of breast cancer with a devotion to the science behind how the condition is passed on, in particular, which genes are responsible. Goodbye Breasts! provides an important array of information about breast cancer, particularly outlining the PALB2 gene as an overlooked genetic factor. The film explains genetic coding clearly to give viewers a full explanation of why Callaghan, as well as many other women, were advised and chose to have a mastectomy following the discovery of this gene.

The film incorporates several animated sequences that radiate a tender adoration for breasts and the female body. These add vibrancy to the documentary, interweaving documentary footage with artistic bliss, together carrying a strong message of understanding, acceptance, and celebration of the female form and all its variations. This sentiment of pure and uncensored displays and affections for the female body is one which Callaghan projects not only through this film, but also through the raising of her child. Several sequences feature Callaghan’s teenage son who is clearly mature and comfortable with the subject of breasts, and share their mother’s admiration and excitement about her project. Such an appreciation being passed on from mother to son is a delightful example to see, and a clear standard for future generations to aspire to in the hope to eradicate stigma around women’s bodies.

Overall, Goodbye Breasts! is a fully rounded, heartfelt and informed documentary. As the film comes to a close, Callaghan touches on every possible tone and feeling surrounding the female body, what it goes through, and ultimately celebrates it beautifully through a comedic, colourful musical dance sequence. Viewers are left with a fantastical ending, an uplifting sensation filled with optimism, art, and joy, and so despite the film’s often solemn and tearful moments, the sentiment of female celebration is firmly secured.