The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

Self-help book The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck (2016) was a pop-culture phenomenon, having sold over 15 million copies. Written by American blogger Mark Manson, the book endorses a no-nonsense approach to the pursuit of happiness. Manson''s philosophy is also explored in feature documentary of the same name — Manson is front and centre as host and core interviewee. Made in New Zealand and helmed by Kiwi director Nathan Price, the film combines interviews, dramatic sequences and animation, and even features fictional characters from the book — like the grim Disappointment Panda.

[Mark] Manson counsels us to embrace our losses, remind ourselves that — no matter what Instagram tells us — almost everybody feels like a failure and is struggling with something right now. Also, you're going to die soon anyway, so quit trying to impress people — and just do useful things instead .... a brisk, often very funny and always likeable trip through the key points of the book.

– Writer Graeme Tuckett, in a four and a half star review, Stuff, 9 January 2023

Key Cast & Crew

Mark Manson

Narrator, Subject

Matthew Metcalfe

Writer, Producer

Nathan Price

Director

Whetham Allpress

Editor

Tom Blackwell

Writer

Fran Carney

Research