The category of controversial films has embraced many different kinds of features–and for different reasons
Films that are too progressive, taboo-shattering
Films that are too randy
Films that are objectively despicable
Films that are synonymous with outrage.
Films about Religion
The Last Temptation of Christ, 1988
The Passion of the Christ, 2003
Nativity, 2006 (Catherine Hardwicke)
Da Vinci Code, 2006
Softening Controversial Material
As an entertainment machine, Hollywood has developed mechanisms to soften controversial material
The Grapes of Wrath
How Green Was My Valley
The Cider House Rules
Traffic
Particular Movies
Hate (La Haine, French, M. Kassowitz, 1996)
The film caused uproar in France. Its uncompromising portrayal of three lowlife thugs, with whose plight it’s hard yo sympathize.
The feature was charged with being vicious, violent, cynical, of depicting c0rrupt values and promoting filthy dialogue.
The message of the film was downbeat: There was no hope for these doomed members of the underclass.
Released in the US by Gramercy Pictures, the feature was a failure.
