We discussed the films we’ve seen or accidentally caught trailers for that – if released in 2021 – would make us hang our heads in shame. JRUK’s Christine Ubochi compiles her hot take of 8 “legendary” films that she feels should be named, explained and then shamed. See if your most reviled is listed below…
The Birth of a Nation (1915)
”The most controversial film ever made in the US” presents the Ku Klux Klan as heroic, and is still cited by neo-Nazis today. No thank YOU, DW Griffith. A sad depiction of how black Americans were viewed through the narrow prism of slavery. Need I say more?
Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
I know! It’s a classic and Holly Golightly’s statement black dress is still referenced in fashion / pop culture to this day. however, While Audrey Hepburn wows as Ms Golightly, there’s no denying that Hollywood legend Mickey Rooney’s offensive yellow-faced portrayal of Mr Yunioshi would be downright unacceptable for today’s audiences.
Gone with the Wind (1939)
Hattie McDaniel (who won Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal as servant “Mammy”) was prohibited from attending its premiere in Atlanta as it was held at a whites-only theatre. She was also forced to sit at a segregated side of the room at the Oscars Ceremony in LA. Considered one of the greatest films in US film history – starring Hollywood giants Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh – multiple streaming services and theatres have since pulled this film due to its romanticised depiction of slavery and the Civil War-era South.
Irreversible (2002)
My close friend was recently telling me about the worst film she’s ever seen, saying I should never watch this Gaspar Noé movie even if my life was danger. Controversial when it came out, the ultra violence, 10-minute long gratuitous rape scene and alleged homophobia may have something to do with it. The DVD release reported that 200 people at the Cannes premiere walked out of the screening in shock, disgust and horror. Noé also revealed that he used cocaine to ‘assist’ him while filming. Lovely!
Freaks (1932)
Tod Browning’s film was once considered one of the most offensive films in the history of cinema but has since been reappraised. His blackly-comic horror melodrama follows a trapeze artist trying to make her way into the circus of “freaks”. STILL, If the name alone isn’t enough to cause offence, the actors in the circus were actually played by people with genuine disabilities.
Soul Man (1986)
The premise for ‘Soul Man’ is as follows: In an attempt to qualify for an African-American scholarship, Mark Watson (C Thomas Howell), blackens his skin with paint. Great idea… NOT! My favourite quote from the trailer is “he didn’t give up, he got down”. Who doesn’t love stereotypical lingo? Gggggrrrrr!
Cruising (1980)
Gay rights activists voiced their concerns about the potential increase in hate crimes when the film was released. Many have continued to call out the internalised homophobia in this Al Pacino film, stating that the representation of the gay community is detrimental and dangerous.
A Serbian Film (2010)
Banned in Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore and Norway, this ‘tale’ of a desperate porn star who signs up to make an arty film that’s actually a “snuff’ movie leaves little to the imagination. Mark Kermode referred to it as a "nasty piece of exploitation trash” and that sounds about right.
