Guys find ideal women in Realdolls
By Dani Purcell, Staff Writer
February 16, 2008 | 4:38 p.m.
Editor's Note: This story links to Web sites that feature what some may consider mature content.
"Guys and Dolls," a 2007 documentary, exposes the unique relationships of four individuals and the main women in their lives – Realdolls.
The men interviewed in "Guys and Dolls," identified only by first name and location, used the documentary as an opportunity to inform the masses of their unique choice in mates. Realdolls are solid silicone casts, shaped like the female body, with lifelike faces and flexible joints, and they can weigh up to 112 pounds.
These anatomically correct dolls function as "alternative partners" and are an option for those seeking a relationship with an individual, regardless of past circumstances or vital statistics.
Davecat, of Michigan, attested to the difficulty of living with his parents' disappointment in his relationship with a doll. Despite this, Davecat has spent a hefty chunk of his time with Shi-Chun, his Realdoll and ideal woman.
"Guys and Dolls" documented the first major separation in Davecat and Shi-Chun's six-year relationship; Davecat shipped his mate across the Atlantic Ocean to have her joints repaired. Shi-Chun's journey lasted three weeks, the longest period of time the couple has spent apart.
"I don't mind being alone at all," Davecat said. "However, I cannot stand being lonely." Shi-Chun is "an anchor" for Davecat because, unlike real women, he knows what to expect from her, he said.
The men in this documentary cited a plethora of reasons behind their investments of time, effort and expenses toward Realdolls. While Davecat expressed feelings of affection and attachment exclusively to his doll, some doll owners' relationships with dolls function on a varied emotional level.
"If you're my age, 39 years old, and you haven't found a human companion yet, you probably never will," said Gordon, a factory worker from rural Virginia.
In opposition to one of the other interviewees, whose need for artificial companionship blossomed from social anxiety and isolation, Gordon housed much darker reasons for purchasing his two companions.
Gordon cited misanthropic and seemingly sexist feelings toward women and people in general. He gave details on his negative experiences with women and explained that his dolls provided him with the structure and peace of mind that real women did not.
"They [women] just want to use somebody," Gordon said. For him, having a Readoll is "almost like being your own god and living in your own world."
Certainly, he relishes his sexual and emotional investments in his dolls. They lead a quiet life – when Gordon is not working, he spends his time at home. He wants to have the dolls buried with him when he dies so they "can turn to dust together."
Realdoll creator and mastermind Matt McMullen attested to the aesthetic, sexual and emotional value of his dolls as well.
"Certain people benefit from these dolls," McMullen said. "They come home from work and they're excited to see their dolls."
"And the food bills are way cheaper!" he added.
In 2007, the Realdoll Web site went live online. Navigating the site is simple – each section is labeled accordingly, including testimonials, news, links and FAQs.
The Realdoll site offers nine body styles and 16 facial types. One can choose and customize their doll with several options for hair, eye and lip color and the amount of makeup. Options such as the "flat back" torso (from the neck to mid-thigh) and torso (navel to mid-thigh) are also available.
The Web site also houses an accessories section, where one can find replacement eyes and wigs, as well as a "RealdollSex" CD, which features "sexy noises" by Heidi Cortez.
As of late 2007, McMullen launched another life-like doll Web site, Boy Toy Dolls. The dolls' face structures are inspired by Anime and comic book characters. A doll is released and named for each month, and supplies are limited.
In addition to providing information about the Realdoll factory and repair procedures, "Guys and Dolls" also documents the exploits of two other men and their relationships with their dolls, including one man's attempt to integrate his dolls into his personal life by introducing them to his human girlfriend.
Each man interviewed in "Guys and Dolls" shares the unique experience of owning a Realdoll and shows how the presence of these dolls affects his personal life.
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Click here to view the documentary.