The New York Times Presents Framing Britney Spears

The documentary re-examines Britney Spears's career, her rise to fame at 16, and personal struggles over three decades in show business, revealing a global phenomenon turned cruel national sport. The film portrays Spears as being under the control of her father Jamie since 2008, following a highly publicized breakdown in 2007 and a conservatorship that sparked the #FreeBritney movement. Former Jive Records executive Kim Kaiman describes Jamie as financially motivated and disconnected from his daughter's life, while paparazzi are shown asking Spears sexist and distressing questions. The documentary explores Spears's relationship with her father, manager Sam Lutfi, and conservatorship, shedding light on the toxic nature of celebrity culture and Spears's struggles with mental health.