Documentary Probes Modern Fatherhood

Dana Glazer's documentary evolved as much his subject matter. In premiering his film "The Evolution of Dad" at the Ridgewood Public Library this past week, the Ridgewood resident described how the project shifted over time.

"I originally pictured this serious film with dramatic Aaron Copland music and a professional, solemn voice-over guy," he said. "But enough positive elements kept coming into the process and added to it."

Glazer's finished version, featuring Betsy Eischen of Wyckoff as associate producer, resulted in a personnel and all-encompassing overview of fatherhood in America lined with profound and silly moments.

A stay-at-home dad, Glazer set out to portray the versatile and varied roles male figures play in children's life. Glazer followed several dads from different backgrounds—military veterans, reformed drug addicts, Wall Street lawyers—who either stayed at home, fought for paternal rights, shifted their lives around their kids or worked hard at being a dad.

Although the film takes an upbeat tone, it raises tough questions on gender roles, work-family balance, corporate life, absentee fathers, and race and class dilemmas. Glazer interviews many parental experts from a score of backgrounds to lay out a myriad of views on fatherhood.

Describing his three-year long process as "DIY—do it yourself," Glazer said he hopes "the film becomes its own living breathing thing." With no studio budget, the film's future depends on reception and word-of-mouth support.

This week, two of the featured dads attended the screening at the nearly full auditorium. 

Jeffrey Eilender, a New York lawyer, worked through a divorce to gain equal custody of his children with his ex-wife. In the film, he was portrayed as reworking his entire work schedule and life to become a more devoted father.

Dallas Hayes—who provided much comic relief to the film—admitted that despite his outgoing character, he was nervous about seeing himself on film. After the movie, he said he really enjoyed it.

Although Glazer has no set future plans for films, he hopes the success of "The Evolution of Dad" could make for a trilogy on maternal and family issues.

"The idea is to create a layered conversation on issues that are under the radar. The point is that dads don't realize this impacts them," he said.

For more information and to purchase "The Evolution of Dad," visit the film's website.