There are a number of factors that can make a movie controversial. Usually, the controversy arises from the theme of the movie. A theme is considered controversial when the subject that is dealt with in the movie is considered taboo and not discussed openly. The following are three very controversial movies that dealt with the theme of sex.
1. Fatal Attraction (1987)
This movie caused so much controversy because it contains one very passionate and graphic sex scene between the two main characters, Michael Douglas and Glenn Close. This movie also seems to be sending a message about adultery and fidelity.
Another controversial
point about this movie is the obsession of Close’s character which is unbecoming for a woman in the 1980s. Her ambition and relentless obsession make her a controversial character in herself.2. Basic Instinct (1992)
This movie created so much controversy when it came out in the ‘90s because of the overt themes of sex and sexuality which are topics that are not much talked about openly during that time. The main story is about the murder of a former rock star, Johnny Boz who is killed while having sex, nonetheless.
The case is investigated by detective Nick Curran (Michael Douglas), who then interrogates Catherine Tramell (Sharon Stone), a crime novelist whose boyfriend is Boz. Catherine’s manipulative and coy attitude makes it hard for Nick to get any evidence that can incriminate Catherine in the death of Boz. Curran’s difficulties are further compounded when he began a romantic relationship with Catherine.
The character of Catherine in the film is what makes Basic Intinct controversial. Catherine is purposely made to be dominant and manipulative; characteristics that were not acceptable in women in the
1990s. Furthermore, the movie also contains several sex scenes between Sharon Stone and Michael Douglas which further contributed to the controversy.However, because of how Sharon Stone presented Catherine, this movie had become the hot topic for debate with the public with topics ranging from feminism to women’s protests of female exploitation. Meanwhile, there were men who felt intimidated by the strength and sensuality of Catherine.
3. Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
This movie stars Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman when they were still married to each other. Cruise and Kidman play husband and wife whose marriage has hit a boring plateau where each one is seeking some sort of satisfaction in fantasy.
Kidman’s character, Alice confesses to her husband, Dr William Harford (Cruise) about her fantasy of having sex with another man. This has made Harford uneasy and perhaps in retaliation or out of curiosity seeks out ways to satisfy his sexual fantasies.
This movie is controversial because of the way the director, Stanley Kubrick manages to feature scenes of sexual deviance that is bordering on the pornography much like how Scorcese did with The Wolf of Wall Street.
Controversy in movies can sell tickets and make a movie a box office success and perhaps that is why many film makers dare to cross that line and create controversial movies in the hope that movie goers will be curious enough to watch them.
