45 Most Controversial Movies in Hollywood History
This article appeared in www.simplyurbans.com and has been published here with permission.
The Whale (2022)
The Whale follows the story of a reclusive English teacher. From the beginning, the film sparked discussions and concerns. There were debates regarding the portrayal of the protagonist’s physical appearance.
Some critics expressed their reservations, accusing director Aronofsky of the insensitive portrayal of the character’s situation. They argued that the film could’ve explored the deeper aspects of the challenges faced by the character without relying on superficial elements.
The Devils (1971)
Ken Russell’s The Devils shocked film censors in France. They wanted so many changes that different countries had their own edited versions. The Devils was seen as highly critical of certain groups of people, particularly in its portrayal of corruption within the institutions.
Even though Russell won the award for Best Director at the Venice Film Festival, that didn’t stop Italian authorities from putting a ban on the film.
Freaks (1932)
Tod Browning had the chance to realize his passion project, a tale of underdog carnival performers whose moral code is violated by one of their own. The studio, however, was shocked when Browning insisted on employing actual circus performers for the film.
Freaks didn’t find a sympathetic audience until the counterculture period of the 1960s. By that time, Browning’s career had already undergone irreparable harm. Some films are truly ahead of their time.
Viridiana (1961)
Luis Buñuel aimed his art’s penetrating glance at all things sacred. In his masterful film, a young nun at the center of the story faces a challenging test of her faith during a visit to her uncle’s estate.
Over the years, Viridiana has gained a reputation as a powerful and thought-provoking film. Its exploration of human behavior, morality, and the clash between beliefs, ideals, and worldly desires continues to resonate with audiences.
Step into the riveting world of Hollywood, where creativity often collides head-on with controversy. From thought-provoking social commentaries to boundary-pushing artistic expressions, these 45 movies have left an indelible mark on the history of cinema. We’ll explore the films that faced a public outcry, were banned in certain countries, or faced legal battles due to their controversial themes.