by Bill Grinnell High Noon was about a lot more than just a man standing up to evil. Westerns used to be more that just Westerns. I’m willing to bet most people don’t know that. Westerns (along with Sci-Fi) were used for years as a way to disguise social and political commentary. Audiences would look… Continue reading High Noon: A Hidden Allegory for McCarthyism
Tag: Controversial Films
Films that were controversial at the time they were made, or have become so since. Usually due to content that crossed established societal norms or old fashioned content that is no longer in tune with society.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) is still a thoroughly entertaining and engaging movie, even at the age of 60. What has made it endure for so long is the real connection audiences make to Holly Golightly, played by Audrey Hepburn. The movie had a very contemporary setting and the early 60s had a distinct vibe. John… Continue reading Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Some Like it Hot
Flawless Some Like it Hot (1959) is widely considered to be the greatest screen comedy of all time. Yet before its release that would have been hard to imagine. The film was swarmed by controversy including worries about homosexuality, cross dressing, and sexuality. America has grown up quite a lot since then, and today it’s… Continue reading Some Like it Hot
Love is a Many Splendored Thing
Love is a Many-Splendored Thing (1955) is another example of how films were watered down in the 1950’s to smooth over or disguise controversial themes in films. Based on a book from a real life story, the Production Board repeatedly refused to sanction the filming because of the themes of adultery and miscegenation– mostly only the… Continue reading Love is a Many Splendored Thing
The Apartment
A near timeless film The Apartment (1960) marked quite a turn in American Cinema. During the 50s, movies making social commentary or dealing with dark issues were so sanitized that you now come to the end of them and say “that’s what that’s supposed to be about?” Just some examples of 50s watering down are:… Continue reading The Apartment
