We’re taking a gander at locker room full frontal scenes in film, continuing our “Dicks in Flicks” series. When compiling this list we discovered that these scenes offer insights into how nudity is used to impact narrative and reveal societal views on male nudity. In previous articles, we explored how male full frontal nudity is utilized in comedies and action movies and we shared its history in American film.

It’s not surprising that locker room scenes contain nudity. That’s where hanging dong in public happens. Yet, the presence of nudity in these scenes is rarely without purpose.

Filmmakers [hopefully] include each element in their work deliberately. In the case of locker room scenes we’ve identified several common narrative functions. These scenes cover a broad spectrum, from illustrating intimidation and vulnerability, to unpacking the emergence of sexual relationships and internalized homophobia, and showcasing the dynamics of male bonding.

We’ll break these down one by one. There are some repeats from previous posts, but we don’t think you’ll mind.

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Intimidation

Locker room scenes are often crafted to exploit nudity as a means of highlighting vulnerability, serving as a potent tool for intimidation. This narrative approach was previously discussed in our series, where nudity transcends its literal exposure to become a symbol of psychological complexity. The scene above from “Oz” (1997), featuring Brian Bloom and Christopher Meloni, exemplifies this. Here, the stark exposure in locker room scenes underscores intense power dynamics, turning physical vulnerability into a strategic form of dominance.

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Vulnerability

Similar to above, male nudity is often used as an effective means to render characters more vulnerable. A prime example is seen in ‘Eastern Promises’ (2007), where Viggo Mortensen’s character confronts adversaries in a sauna. Here, nudity enhances the intensity of the confrontation, elevating the sense of risk and exposure. Mortensen’s character ultimately overcomes his opponents, signifying how his physical prowess is starkly contrasted with his exposed human form. In short, the viewer learns that he doesn’t need clothes to kick ass.

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Precursor to a Sexual Relationship

Locker room full frontal can also set the stage for emerging sexual relationships. This is vividly portrayed in “Y Tu Mamá También” (2001), where Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna navigate a space charged with sexual tension and discovery. Similarly, “Euphoria” (2022), with Henry Eikenberry and Elias Kacavas, uses locker room scenes to telegraph a more intimate relationship later in the series. Makes sense to us, sometimes people like what they see.

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Homophobia

Speaking of “Euphoria” we couldn’t write this piece without mentioning its locker room scene that broke the Internet. Jacob Elordi’s character, Nate, exhibits discomfort with locker room nudity, symbolizing deeper issues. Nate’s unease stands in stark contrast with his classmates’s comfort. His reaction to the casual undress is theorized to hint at the character’s internalized homophobia. We get it, Nate, we were worried about popping boners in the locker room too.

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Size Comparisons

Because people are naked in locker rooms, there’s plenty of space for comparison. ‘Sex/Life’ (2021) characters compare themselves to Adam Demos’ notable endowment. This scene is shot to in a way can perpetuate damaging beliefs about body image, masculinity, and sexuality. The message is clear: big dicks are manlier.

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Male Bonding

In contrast to themes of vulnerability and sexual tension, locker room nudity can also become a medium for male bonding. Films like “Le Regne De La Beaute” (2014) showcase locker rooms as communal spaces where nudity accompanies the deepening of friendships and mutual respect. These scenes offer a refreshing perspective, highlighting positive and wholesome aspects of male interactions in such intimate settings.

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A Reflection on Locker Room Full Frontal in Film

In our exploration of locker room full frontal scenes in film, we’ve pointed out many themes and narratives that extend far beyond mere physical exposure. These scenes serve as a reflection of our complex relationship with our bodies and how this relationship is depicted through the lens of film.

From using nudity as a means of intimidation, where confidence in one’s nude form is weaponized, to the portrayal of vulnerability and size comparisons, these scenes offer a window into societal attitudes towards masculinity and body image. The locker room becomes a stage where the dynamics of power, self-perception, and male vulnerability are played out.

Sexuality, too, is a recurrent theme in these narratives. Whether it’s the stirring of homophobia as a reaction to nudity, as poignantly depicted in “Euphoria”, or the locker room acting as a precursor to same-sex relationships, these scenes delve into the varied reactions and internal conflicts elicited by male nudity.

Yet, amidst these complex interactions, there is also a portrayal of freedom and camaraderie. In films like “Le Regne De La Beaute”, the locker room emerges as a space of communal bonding, where nudity is stripped of its sexual or intimidating connotations and becomes a backdrop for genuine connection and mutual respect.

Locker room full frontal scenes in film are not just about nudity; they are a narrative device that explores the multifaceted relationship between men and their bodies, between vulnerability and strength, and between intimacy and intimidation. They challenge us to reconsider our perceptions and encourage a more nuanced understanding of masculinity and human connection.