A look into Hollywood’s most controversial films.
While many films inspire controversy, some films are more provoking than others.
Bonnie and Clyde
If you have grown up in the Midwest, chances are you have heard of the legendary duo, Bonnie and Clyde. Lovers Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were notorious American outlaws during the Great Depression, known for a series of bank robberies, murders, and kidnappings. Despite their illegal and violent criminal activities, they captured the attention of America as their crimes were followed closely by newspapers that portrayed the lovers as the modern Robin Hood. It is not a surprise that in 1967, Warner Bros. Pictures released the iconic Bonnie and Clyde, a reenactment of the couple’s lives. Expected to be an action-packed, romantic story of two daring lovers, the film shocked viewers with its graphic violence. Its brutality directly contrasted with the widely accepted heroic, rags-to-riches story of Bonnie and Clyde. Even today, the necessity of extreme violence in the movie supposedly portraying a story of romanticism and bravery is a point of contention. Besides the debate surrounding its violence, a recent analysis of the movie has determined that it is less than 5 percent historically accurate. Once again sparking controversy, the film industry is divided on whether the inaccuracy of the movie was necessary for production and appeal or if it was an injustice to the legendary story of Bonnie and Clyde.
The Interview
Starring award-winning actors James Franco, Seth Rogen, and Randall Park, “The Interview” was meant to be a comedic film centered around journalists who set up an interview with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, played by Randall Park, only to then be recruited by the CIA to assassinate him. Instead, its release caused strong opposition from North Korea, who called President Barack Obama the “chief culprit” who forced the production company to “indiscriminately distribute” the picture. Earlier that month, Sony Pictures IT systems were hacked by a group calling itself “Guardians of Peace” or GoP. They complained about the pending release of “The Interview”. The FBI has blamed North Korea for that cyberattack, yet North Korea denies the accusation due to the lack of substantial evidence.”
Not only did “The Interview” worsen the debate of cyberattacks between North Korea and the United States, but Sony’s delay and eventual refusal to show the original movie for security reasons raises the controversial question of whether the cancellation of the movie is an obstruction of freedom of speech.
Barbie
The Barbie movie received many criticisms despite receiving eight Oscar nominations. The Barbie movie revolves around Barbie and Ken, who leave Barbie Land for the human world. They soon discover that the real world is not as perfect as it appears and have to face the perils of living among humans while attempting to change the world for the better. The movie supposedly includes themes such as overcoming insecurities, feminism, and equality. Yet, the movie received backlash for its fictional representation, some arguing that it served as a satirical mirror to the real world, sparking accusations of sexism. Specifically, some describe Barbie as “anti-male” for its themes criticizing a largely male-led society. This belief has created a divide regarding the movie; it is supported by many for its inspiring, heavy focus on feminism and the power of women, while others insist that the movie was produced solely for insulting and belittling men.
The Exorcist
Being considered “immoral” and “dangerous” by many movie critics, “The Exorcist” gained notoriety for supposedly making the audience physically, dangerously ill. Released in 1973, “The Exorcist” follows the story of a young girl who has fallen under demonic possession, and her mother who attempts to rescue her through an exorcism by two Catholic priests. Despite the controversy the horror film stirred, it is undoubtedly an acclaimed film, having received 10 Oscar nominations and becoming the first horror film to receive a Best Picture nomination. The violence in “The Exorcist” is infamous for making audience members faint and vomit, resulting in outrage from viewers. In addition to the general public, religious groups strongly opposed the movie. Many felt that it wasn’t portraying Catholicism or Christianity correctly, while others argued that the demonic elements of the film would inspire satanic ideology and cults. The movie was even considered for censorship in many countries. However, criticism was not the only reaction. Some critics argue the film was extremely well-made and the terror the audience experience is proof of the accuracy and thoughtfulness that went into “The Exorcist’s” production.
