We’re used to saying practically anything on our movie and TV screens these days. But so much of what we see today has, not so very long ago, been classified as pornography. It was only in 1960 that the first official publication of the printed version of Lady Chatterley’s Lover went on trial in the UK for flouting the obscenity laws. Through the decades, various movies have gone out on a limb to break sexual taboos. Here are some of them:
1. Ecstasy (1933)
This Czech film starring Hedy Lamarr, who was only 18 when she appeared, has two sex scenes involving nudity. In one scene, she has sex with a man, and it caused a sensation because it was the first depiction of sex in a mainstream flick. It is still considered the cinema's first sex scene.
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2. Sweetback's Baadasssss Song (1971)
This movie is definitely a landmark in Black filmmaking in the United States – this extravagant, angry, belligerent, loud movie reaches a high pitch early and maintains it all until the end. The biggest highlight was how Melvin Van Peebles really managed to kick cinematic sand in yet another taboo's eyes by filming scenes of un-simulated sex involving his 13-year old son.
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3. The Devils (1971)
Director Ken Russell shares a magnificent tale of desire, diabolism, and God in "The Devils". The movie is based on the religious hysteria stirred up in a 17th century French town. The biggest highlight of the movie was a nun orgy, and a randy Vanessa Redgrave, who, for the first time ever, brought the Lord down from the cross to have her way with Him. Some considered it a masterpiece, others called it an over-the-top lurid approach… but it was definitely an attempt to break sexual taboos.
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4. Don't Look Now (1973)
The film stars Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie as a couple haunted by memories of their dead daughter. It's a great film as a whole, and is known for a scene that puts it in the list of movies that broke sexual taboos. In the scene, the parents get ready to go out for the evening, but they decide to go for a nude interlude in which Sutherland asks for an "appetizer". It was the very first time when the world witnessed on-screen coitus.
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5. Last Tango in Paris
This controversial drama from Bernardo Bertolucci is actually a dark masterpiece about grief and love. The movie has several deliberately transgressive sex scenes, including the infamous scene where Marlon Brando asks Maria Schneider to bring the butter in a suggestive manner. It was the first time when the world witnessed something as kinky as "go get the butter" on the big screen.
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6. Caligula (1979)
Caligula is among the first western films to have un-simulated sex scenes with several scenes of actual ejaculation and orgies. It involves an excessive display of gratuitous sex, which made it one of the most controversial films during its time. Even though the movie really played a role in breaking sexual taboos, it is banned in many countries even today.
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7. Flesh (1968)
Directed by Paul Morrissey, it was the very first movie that broke the "Erection Taboo" in mainstream cinema. Joe Dallesandro's penis did the trick here and stirred a controversy. The scene had Dallesandro with an erection and an actress wrapping a big ribbon around it. Interestingly, it was real, not some prosthetic like the one you may have seen in "The Wolf of Wall Street".
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Have you seen any of these? What other movies that broke sexual taboos do you know of? Do you think 50 Shades of Grey qualifies?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are some movies that broke sexual taboos?
- Films like "Blue Is the Warmest Color" and "Call Me by Your Name" challenged traditional portrayals of sexuality.
- Why are movies that break sexual taboos important?
- They promote open conversations about sexuality and help normalize diverse experiences.
- Are these movies suitable for all audiences?
- Most of these films are rated for mature audiences due to explicit content and themes.
- Do these movies focus only on LGBTQ+ themes?
- While many do, others explore various sexual taboos including gender roles and unconventional relationships.
- How do these movies impact societal views on sexuality?
- They encourage empathy and understanding by highlighting stories often overlooked.
- Are there any famous actresses known for starring in such films?
- Yes, actresses like Brie Larson and Charlize Theron have taken roles in taboo-breaking movies.
- Where can I watch these trending movies?
- They are often available on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Hulu.
- Do these films include realistic portrayals of sexual relationships?
- Many strive for authenticity to better represent complex sexual experiences.
- How do these movies handle sensitive topics respectfully?
- Through careful storytelling and collaborating with experts to avoid stereotypes.
- Can watching these movies help me better understand my own sexuality?
- Absolutely, they can provide insight and validation for your feelings and experiences.