Due to the criticism and controversy of an alleged date-rape scene in Observe and Report, we bring you yet another list of sex scenes, this one focused on cinematic moments that stirred protest, censorship, bans and boycotts. Whether groundbreaking for their time or still questionable today, these scenes could probably have been included in our past highlights of films sold on a sex scene and films remembered primarily for a sex scene. But these are not leftovers. Many of them have merits and memorability outside of their “upsetting” depictions of a sexual act, though many of their objectors wouldn’t know since they never actually saw the films themselves.
One disclaimer must be made, because we’re sure commenters will jump in otherwise asking why A Clockwork Orange and other films with controversial rape scenes have not been included. Besides the fact that many readers will argue that such scenes are not rightly labeled “sex scenes,” there’s also the matter that too many films feature gratuitous rape scenes, and most of the time these are met with criticism. Of course, there are also a number of controversial consensual sex scenes that we’ve had to leave out, so feel free to name any excluded titles after reading the list. …Read more
AFTRA will announce the results of their guild’s ratification vote on a prospective contract with the AMPTP today. It’s said to be “widely anticipated the terms will be accepted,” despite SAG’s pressure on their overlapping union to vote no in order to get a new/more favorable deal.
Kinky Boots, one of those newfangled British comedies where somebody saves something through the power of something that somebody else thinks is naughty, is going to become a Broadway musical.
***Former GOP leader Tom DeLay issued a serious smackdown against Michael Moore yesterday, after the directer backed out of a TV debate opposite DeLay scheduled for this Sunday. In a message on his personal website, DeLay wrote: “Guess he didn’t expect anyone to seriously take him on. Had I known he was this chicken, I would have accepted on the spot, but at least I can spare myself the agony of watching one of his mockumentaries. Bottom line: his movies, his politics, and his incessant bullying are all an act.” For his part Moore said he backed out of the booking because he didn’t want to provide a copy of Sicko to someone who “has nothing to do with the specific issues raised in the film.”
***UPDATE: Not only did I misread the HR item, but I unintentionally made the same opening joke as NIkki Finke. So: Woody Allen is going to direct an opera in Los Angeles. Let’s move on, shall we?In other mind-blowing news, what’s more of a surprise: the news that Woody Allen is going to star in a Puccini opera, directed by William “The Exorcist” Friedkin? Or the fact that he’s going to do it in Los Angeles? According to The Hollywood Reporter, Allen said he has “no idea what I am doing, but incompetence has never prevented me from plunging in with enthusiasm.
We’ve had a bit of trouble getting this episode to go through the iTunes feed, so we hope this re-post will fix the problem. The original post, with episode description and embedded player, is here.
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AFTRA will announce the results of their guild’s ratification vote on a prospective contract with the AMPTP today. It’s said to be “widely anticipated the terms will be accepted,” despite SAG’s pressure on their overlapping union to vote no in order to get a new/more favorable deal.
