Film Lens
Frat House is a 1998 documentary directed by Todd Phillips and Andrew Gurland that examines fraternity life, focusing on the pledging process and hazing rituals. The film primarily takes place at the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity house at Muhlenberg College in Pennsylvania, with additional footage from Beta Chi and Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternities at SUNY Oneonta in New York. It captures the intense experiences of pledges during Hell Week, including forced uniforms, strenuous activities, and alcohol consumption.
The documentary features candid interviews, such as one with a fraternity brother named Blossom, who describes hazing as 'like having the power of a god.' The film's controversial nature led to HBO canceling its planned airing due to allegations of staged content and concerns from fraternity members. Despite its acclaim at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Grand Jury Prize for Documentary, Frat House never received an official release, although bootleg versions have circulated online.
Why Watch
- •See intense hazing rituals at Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.
- •Meet Blossom, who describes hazing's allure.
- •Find out why HBO canceled the film's airing.
Did You Know
•Frat House was filmed at Alpha Tau Omega at Muhlenberg College.
•The documentary won the Grand Jury Prize at the 1998 Sundance Film Festival.
•Alpha Tau Omega's charter was revoked in 2000 but has since been reinstated.
•Blossom, a fraternity brother, claimed hazing gives 'the power of a god.'
Perfect For
Fraternity cultureHazing discussionsDocumentary enthusiasts