controversy in the theatres

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I finally saw American Beauty last night and finally understand what all the uproar was about.

What do you think is the best controversial movie of all time? American Beauty, Jungle Fever, The Last Temptation of Christ or _(insert your choice here)_? And, of course...why?

-- Jackie (jackie@jackie.nu), May 29, 2000

Answers

At first, I wanted to respond by saying that the first "talkie" flick was the most controversial...certainly it energized audiences in ways that can't be imagined. Such an exciting time. But then there was "Curious Yellow". The first "x-rated" film that was distributed to theaters throughout the U.S. - An amazing, poorly shot, badly acted movie, whose sole purpose was to shock the audience and provoke a reaction. Churches were outraged, parents were horrified - but they viewed the film, none the less. I personally saw the film for the first time in 1969. I was 18 years old, and enjoyed the message of the film, which to me was: explore our sexuality with joy.

But your question was, what was the BEST controversial movie of all time? With that caveat, I'll have to give the question some more thought......

-- Planet Earth (imagine@industrial-ideas.com), May 29, 2000.


I don't know, maybe i'm jaded or something, but i find it hard to be shocked by movies and don't find many to be controversial. Even all the hoopla about "Dogma" was a let-down in the end. Maybe if i was a devout Catholic i'd be appalled (sp?) but being a fairly lax Protestant with a warped sense of humor, i simply found the film hilarious.

Off the top of my head, i can only think of the film "The Professional" because of the suggested context of the relationship between Jean Reno's characther, and Nathalie Portman's character.

But even that... It's not like anyone came right out and said there was anything going on between them besides a joint effort for revenge, it was only hinted that *maybe* it was more than just desire on her side.

I would love to see something truly controversial though.

-- Sherry (sherina@masc.ca), May 30, 2000.


I don't get it... why was American Beauty so controversial? I didn't even know it *was* controversial. Hmm.

-- Christine (cdaae@darkgoddess.com), July 12, 2000.

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