Controversial Films Discussion

  • Thread starter Thread starter VU&NICO
  • Start date Start date
SERIOUSLY. *nods*

See, even though I'm mixed-race and hate the message of Birth of a Nation, I gave it five stars for my NetFlix review because it's such an important film in the history of the motion pictures. There's no denying that. And as far as story telling goes, it's exceedingly well done.

Sure, it's racist - there's no denying that, either, as the message is clear and blatant, but I'm not going to decontextualize the film - it fit the general views of the white population in those days. *shrug* (I used to have this same problem in grad school when most of my female colleagues wanted to do papers on female artists and how they were ignored or abused, but my argument was that it was part of the times and you can't really decontextualize that without taking away from a major part of the story).

Anyway, yeah - any sort of extreme view, no matter what the message, can provoke controversy. And it wasn't just because of "Zippidee Do Da" - it was because they show "the darkie" happy and singing while being a slave in the south. Similar complaints were made by the black community for Gone with the Wind, and what's-her-name was ostracized for a time from the community. I think Song of the South was taken out of circulation because the times had changed and the black community had a much stronger voice.

I'm old enough to remember Song of the South - I rather liked it, but I knew it was probablematic on a personal level for me, even at a young age.

Also, I'm right there with ya - I like The Last Temptation of Christ very much. But then, I love Jesus Christ, Superstar, too, and it generated a ton of controversy in its day, as well. Religious figures are probably necessarily going to cause controversy when portrayed in film.

I think sex and violence in a film are far more complex issues to debate when it comes to controversy, you know?
 
it would seem that most controversial films deal with sex and religion......

2 of my favorites in this category are:

'ultimo tango a parigi' (last tango in paris)

and

'the last temptation of christ'

but on closer examination whenever 2 parties have an opposing viewpoint on a film it becomes controversial.....and it extends to any area that film might explore.....



'birth of a nation' by dw griffith is considered a masterpiece by some and racist by others.......


even the walt disney company has been acuused of racism with it's film....

'song of the south'....a live action and animated film featuring the song zippy do da.............

so i guess as long as people are different they'll always be opposing viewpoints and controversy.....if only people wouldn't get so uptight though....
 
The Passion is an amazing film. I have it on DVD now. Of course, I have faith in Christ so I feel that way for a reason:)

Alexander the Great is my favorite person in history. I didn't like the media backlash b/c I wanted the film to do well. I will be getting in on DVD when it comes out.

Alex
 
Ooh, good topic - I'd add Catwoman to that list as it generated a ton of bashing before it even came out, and even more once it did, even though most of the bashing was done by people who hadn't actually seen the film.

I find it fascinating that some films can generate so much controversy, while others, even very good films, just don't.

Another film would be Troy - I spent hours debating this film even though I didn't bother to see it (shame on me), but I couldn't have cared less about discussing something like Aurthur. Why the difference? Why do some films really drive us?

Great topic! :D

And yes, movies about Christ are necessarily going to generate controversy just by the nature of the topic.
 
I wanted to start a topic to discuss various aspects of 'controversial films'. By that I mean movies that are plagued by harsh criticism, too much praise, political, religious, etc, themes that get the attention of non movie goers, movies that spark discussion in the streets, etc, etc.

To mind comes the Passion of the Christ & Alexander, both very recent.

It's clear why Passion was so discussed, critized and praised; it tackles a subject that wraps the whole world in bitter arguments and a portrayal of such a figure as Jesus Christ will be controversial especially in such a big stage as the Box Office. One could argue it helped the film as far as selling tickets but a counter argument could state that it would've been just as succesful regardless.

Alexander did not have the same fate. The characterization of the historical figure was badly beaten by many sectors before the film even had the chance to play before mass audiences. The critical backlash also could've helped weigh down the film's attraction to those audiences that were bombed with negative comments making them decide in not buying a ticket.

I have much more to say but I won't for now. I want to say that being controversial can be a blessing, a curse, or both because when a subject is heated audiences can be severely turned off by the war of opinions, or they can be curious enough to give a try.

What's your favorite controversial movie? What was the conext in which the controversy developed? What side were you on?
 
Back
Top