The Most Paused Scenes Of All Time Explained
By | March 1, 2023
Are you ready for the ultimate list of the most paused movie scenes of all time? Get ready to hit pause on your own movie nights, because we've scoured the internet and compiled a list of the most iconic, jaw-dropping, and just plain bizarre movie moments that have viewers hitting pause to catch every detail. From heart-pounding action sequences to mind-blowing plot twists, these are the movie scenes that have left audiences pausing and rewinding for decades.
This serious wowzer of a scene in Trading Places gained attention from fans of the film due to Curtis' seductive and confident portrayal of her character, Louisa. Most members of the audience know Curtis as Laurie Strode in Halloween, a wallflower at best, but when she shows off all of her glory it's a pause button worthy moment to say the least.
As she undresses, Curtis' character can be seen admiring her own reflection in the mirror and taking pleasure in her own sexuality. The scene is both titillating and empowering, and has remained a fan favorite due to Curtis' captivating performance and the film's exploration of gender and power dynamics. Many viewers have paused the scene to get a closer look at Curtis' character and to enjoy the saucy and confident moment.
This Scene From 'Dream Warriors' Has Sent Teens Running For The Pause Button For Decades
One of the most iconic scenes in the horror classic A Nightmare on Elm Street: Dream Warriors occurs when Joey is tricked by dream demon Freddy Krueger, who is in disguise as a sexy high school nurse. This scene is full of tension, surprise, and plenty of naughtiness as Joey is lured in by the seductive nurse only to realize that it's actually the terrifying Fred Krueger. This film is known for its groundbreaking special effects and innovative use of dreams as a means of terror, making it a must-see for any horror fan.
The scene where Joey is tricked by Freddy is just one example of the clever and twisted ways in which the film uses the dream world to terrorize its characters. It's a scene that audiences will want to pause and analyze, trying to spot the subtle clues that hint at Freddy's true identity while also taking in everything the nurse has to offer.
Overall, Dream Warriors is a classic horror film that continues to thrill and surprise audiences with its imaginative and terrifying story.
The Most Famous Paused Scene Of All Time... 'The Seven Year Itch'
The dress scene in The Seven Year Itch is one of the most famously paused scenes in cinema history, and it's not hard to see why. In the scene, Marilyn Monroe's character, a sultry and irresistible woman simply known as "The Girl" stands on a grate in a white dress as the air from the subway blows it up, revealing her legs and panties. The scene is both sexy and playful, and Monroe's performance is nothing short of iconic.
Released in 1955, The Seven Year Itch was a major success at the box office, and helped to cement Monroe's status as a Hollywood superstar. At the time of the film's release, Monroe was at the height of her fame and had just divorced her second husband, baseball legend Joe DiMaggio. The film's portrayal of Monroe as a seductive and desirable woman was a perfect reflection of her real-life persona, and helped to further fuel her already considerable fame and popularity.
For home audiences, pausing the dress scene in The Seven Year Itch is a must in order to fully appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship that went into creating it. From the memorable music and sound design to Monroe's captivating performance, every detail of the scene has been carefully crafted to create a sense of sensual and playful fun.
Who Hasn't Rewound To Make Sure They Actually Saw A Storm Trooper Bonk His Head In 'Star Wars: A New Hope'
In the original Star Wars: A New Hope, the stormtrooper who hits his head on a low hanging door frame has become a beloved and iconic moment in the film. Despite being highly trained soldiers, this stormtrooper managed to completely miss the fact that there was a door in front of him, resulting in a comical and embarrassing moment.
The scene has been parodied and referenced countless times, with many fans affectionately referring to the stormtrooper as "Door Head." To this day, the stormtrooper's mishap continues to bring a smile to the faces of Star Wars fans everywhere, and serves as a reminder that even the most skilled and formidable of warriors can have a moment of clumsiness.
In the 1994 action thriller Speed, actor Dennis Hopper gives a memorable and intense performance as the film's antagonist, Howard Payne. However, his death scene in the film has gained a certain level of notoriety due to a continuity error that can be spotted if the scene is paused at the right moment. During the scene, Hopper's character is seen falling from a great height and crashing through a glass ceiling.
If the scene is paused at just the right moment, it is possible to see that Hopper has been swapped out with a dummy for the fall, which is a common technique used in film to depict falls from great heights. This error has been pointed out by numerous fans of the film over the years and has become something of an Easter egg for those who are familiar with it. Despite the mistake, Hopper's death scene is still an intense and memorable moment in the film.
Does A Fly Actually Land On Belloq's Face In 'Raiders of the Lost Ark'? You Have To Press Pause To Really Figure It Out
The scene in Raiders of the Lost Ark where a fly lands on Belloq's face is a moment that has remained ingrained in the memories of many fans of the film. As Belloq, played by Paul Freeman, delivers a monologue about the power of the Ark of the Covenant, a fly can be seen landing on his face and remaining there for a moment before flying off.
The scene has become memorable for its unexpected and humorous nature, and many fans of the film have paused the scene to get a closer look at the fly and make sure it's real. The fly's brief appearance in the scene has added an extra layer of nostalgia and whimsy to the film, and has remained a fan favorite moment for decades.
"Are You Trying To Seduce Me Mrs. Robinson?"
In the 1967 film The Graduate, there is a seduction scene that has become iconic and memorable for its sexual tension and innuendo. In the scene, the character of Mrs. Robinson, played by Anne Bancroft, seduces the film's protagonist, Benjamin, played by Dustin Hoffman. The scene is filled with suggestive dialogue and innuendo as Mrs. Robinson attempts to lure Benjamin into a sexual encounter.
The scene is both titillating and uncomfortable, as it portrays a taboo and inappropriate relationship. Despite its controversial nature, the seduction scene in The Graduate is one that audiences continue to pause to this day, thankfully digital versions of the film ensure that no VHS tapes are being destroyed.
Pause 'Teen Wolf' At just The Right Time And You'll Get An Eyeful
In the 1985 film Teen Wolf, eagle-eyed viewers have been entranced by an alleged continuity error involving a background extra. In the scene, high school basketball fans are celebrating a major win by their werewolf-led team, and in the background, an extra can be seen with their pants unzipped.
This error has been pointed out by numerous fans of the film over the years, and has led to speculation about whether the error was intentional or accidental. Regardless of the reason for the error, the scene has become something of an Easter egg for fans of the film, who often pause the movie to get a closer look at the unzipped pants and to see if they can spot any other shenanigans in the background.
The Chestburster Scene In 'Alien' Remains A Standout Of The Science-Fiction Genre
This incredibly shocking scene from Alien where Kane (played by John Hurt) is suddenly and unexpectedly attacked by a creature that bursts out of his chest remains one of the most anticipated and rewatchable moments in film history. The scene is both graphic and unexpected, and has been praised for its effectiveness in creating tension and fear.
The chest burster scene has become one of the most iconic and memorable moments in science fiction film, and is often cited as one of the most paused scenes in cinema history. Many fans have paused the scene to get a closer look at the creature and to marvel at the special effects used to create the memorable moment.
This Scene From 'The Shining' Remains One Of The Most Surreal Paused Moments In Film History
The famously paused bear suit scene in The Shining, a horror film directed by Stanley Kubrick and released in 1980, has become one of the most iconic and memorable moments in cinematic history in spite of its brevity. In the scene, Danny Torrance is running away from his father, Jack Torrance (played by Jack Nicholson), and as he takes a hard turn through the Overlook Hotel's many corridors Danny comes face to face with a man wearing a bear suit on his knees in front of one of the Overlook's many apparitions.
The scene became so popular due to its unexpected and surreal nature, as well as the intense performance by Nicholson. The Shining was released in the era of postmodernism, a time when traditional narrative structures and conventions were being challenged and subverted in art and culture. As a result, the bear suit scene perfectly exemplified the themes and stylistic choices of the film, which blended horror and psychological thriller elements with a surreal and dreamlike atmosphere. The scene's lasting impact can be seen in its numerous parodies and homages in popular culture.
Did you catch this strange and shocking moment in the most popular film of 1987? The uber-paused scene in the film Three Men and a Baby (1987) occurs during a pivotal moment in the plot when the characters played by Tom Selleck, Steve Guttenberg, and Ted Danson are frantically trying to get the baby to sleep. As they rush around the room, a cardboard cutout of a character can be seen in the background, seemingly standing on its own.
This scene caused quite a stir among audiences at the time, with many people believing that the cardboard cutout was actually a ghost. The film was released in the late 1980s, a time when the supernatural and paranormal were becoming increasingly popular themes in popular culture. The idea of a ghost appearing in a comedy film was certainly unexpected and shocked many viewers, adding an extra layer of intrigue to an already entertaining film. Apparently no one realized that the cardboard cutout of Danson wearing a top hat actually appears again during the film in a more prominent position. Maybe we just want to be scared.
Is There A Munchkin Hanging In The Back Of A Scene In 'The Wizard of Oz'?
This chilling still from The Wizard of Oz (1939) occurs as Dorothy and her friends are skipping down the yellow brick road, singing the iconic song "We're Off to See the Wizard." As they skip along, a shadowy figure can be seen in the background hanging from a tree. This figure is often believed to be a suicidal munchkin, and the scene has stuck with audiences for decades. The film was released in the 1930s, a time when suicide was a taboo subject and not often depicted in mainstream media. The idea of a munchkin, a fantastical and childlike creature, committing suicide adds a disturbing and unsettling element to the otherwise magical and light-hearted film. The scene has been the subject of much speculation and debate over the years, with some people claiming that it was simply a bird or a shadow, while others insist that it was a munchkin who had taken their own life. Regardless of the true explanation, the scene has left a lasting impression on audiences and continues to be a source of fascination and mystery.
'Back to the Future' Has An Easter Egg Every Time You Hit Pause
The scene in the film Back to the Future (1985) where it's revealed that the name of the mall has been changed to "Lone Pine Mall" is a classic moment that has stuck with audiences for decades. In the scene, Marty McFly (played by Michael J. Fox) travels back in time to the 1950s and accidentally runs over a tree with his car. When he returns to the present, he discovers that the mall he knows and loves (Twin Pines) has a different name thanks to his time travel shenanigans.
The sign goes by without any pomp and circumstance, which has led audiences to not only pause the scene to make sure they're not seeing things, but to rewind to the previous appearance of the sign and check that they're not losing their minds. It's one of the many Easter eggs that makes this Robert Zemeckis time travel film an absolute masterpiece.
The often paused scene at the end of the 1960 film Psycho has become one of the most iconic and memorable moments in cinematic history. In the scene, the character of Norman Bates, played by Anthony Perkins, is revealed to be the killer who has been terrorizing the film's protagonists. As the truth is uncovered, a skull is superimposed over Norman's face, symbolizing the death of his true identity and the emergence of his psychopathic alter ego. The scene is both frightening and thought-provoking, as it suggests that anyone can be capable of darkness and that appearances can be deceiving. The film, which was released during the early 1960s, was a pioneering work in the horror genre, and it proved that Alfred Hitchcock was the master of the genre.
Haviland Morris Has To Be Seen To Be Believed In 'Sixteen Candles'
The shower scene at the beginning of Sixteen Candles is a poignant and nostalgicically evocative moment that perfectly captures the themes of isolation and growing up that run throughout the film. As the camera lingers on the steamy bathroom, we see Samantha, the protagonist, and her best friend watching the most popular girl in school standing alone under the spray of water, rinsing off after gym.
This is definitely a seriously paused scene from the '80s, but it's also a poignant reminder of the struggles and challenges that come with growing up, and it perfectly sets the stage for the rest of the film, which follows Samantha as she navigates the complexities of adolescence and the search for connection and belonging. Despite the warm and humorous tone of the film, this scene reminds us of the moments of isolation and introspection that are an integral part of the human experience, and it speaks to the universal longing for connection and understanding that we all share.
Pause 'Tron' At The Right Time To Catch A PacMan Cameo
In the 1982 science fiction film Tron, there is a scene where the villain, Sark, is viewing a schematic of one of its maze-like environments. Within this schematic, there is an Easter Egg in the form of a Pac-Man character.
The inclusion of Pac-Man in Tron reflects the influence of video games in popular culture at the time. The scene in which Pac-Man appears is brief, but it adds an element of fun and nostalgia for audiences familiar with the game. Easter Eggs like this one, which are hidden references or jokes within a work of media, are a common way for creators to pay homage to other media or to add an element of surprise for their audience. They also invite viewers to watch the film again and again with their fingers on the pause button.
Marilyn Monroe Gives Quite A Show In 'Niagara'
Marilyn Monroe's shower scene in the 1953 film Niagara remains one of the most famous and paused scenes in cinema history for several reasons. Firstly, it was one of the first instances of a major Hollywood star appearing in a sexually suggestive or risque scene. This was a bold move for Monroe, who was already a major star at the time, and it helped to solidify her image as a sex symbol. The scene itself is also masterfully shot and edited, with the use of close-ups, cross-cutting, and the sound of the running water all contributing to a sense of tension and mystery.
Can You Really See It All In The Opening Scene Of 'Jaws'?
The opening scene of Jaws is a memorable and iconic moment in film history that has left a lasting impression on audiences. This 1975 thriller, directed by Steven Spielberg, follows the story of a police chief, a scientist, and a grizzled fisherman who team up to hunt down a great white shark terrorizing a New England beach town. The film's opening scene sets the stage for the terror to come, as it depicts a young woman, Chrissie (played by Susan Backlinie), swimming alone in the ocean at night.
The scene is shot beautifully, with the moonlit water and the sounds of the ocean creating a sense of peacefulness and solitude. However, this peace is shattered when Chrissie is suddenly attacked by a shark, an event that is depicted in a series of quick, jarring cuts that ratchet up the tension and suspense. It's easy to see why audiences might want to pause the film at this point, as the scene is both visually striking and emotionally charged. The opening scene of Jaws is a masterful example of how to establish a film's tone and setting while creating an incredibly pausable moment.
Pause 'Scanners' At The Right Time For Explosive Fun
The scene in Scanners where Michael Ironside's character makes a guy's head explode with telekinesis is an iconic moment in film history. It has achieved widespread popularity and has become one of the most memorable and memorable scenes in the film.
Scanners, directed by David Cronenberg, has gained cult status due to its unique blend of science fiction and horror elements, and this scene is certainly a standout moment. It's not for the faint of heart, as it is quite graphic and gory, but audiences may want to pause it for a closer look at the special effects and to see just how it was done. The sheer force and power of Ironside's character's telekinetic abilities are truly impressive, and it's no wonder this scene has become such a fan favorite.
An Early Cut of 'The Rescuers' Was Practically An R-Rated Film
The home video version of The Rescuers, a popular animated film produced by Walt Disney Pictures, was released in 1977. However, it was later discovered that a brief, but highly controversial and offensive, image was included in the background of one scene. This image, which had to be paused in order to be scene was believed to be inserted into the film during post-production but it's unclear who was exactly responsible. The poster, a picture of a topless woman, was removed following the 1992 home video release of the film and all future home video releases were created from a different print.
Pause 'Evil Dead: Dead By Dawn' at Just The Right Time For a Horror Easter Egg
The woodshed scene in Evil Dead 2 (1987) is a perfect example of the film's clever blend of horror and humor. As Ash (Bruce Campbell) heads to the the shed to retrieve items for unholy battle, viewers may be tempted to pause the film at just the right moment to catch a glimpse of a certain iconic horror movie prop hanging on the wall. That's right, if you pause the film at just the right moment, you can see see none other than Freddy Krueger's glove from A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) hanging on the wall in the background.
This playful nod to the crossover between the two horror franchises is just one of the many moments of nostalgia and wit that make Evil Dead 2 such a beloved and enduring classic of the genre. It's a testament to the creativity and cleverness of director Sam Raimi, who has a knack for paying homage to the horror films that inspired him while also putting his own unique spin on things. Whether you're a fan of Evil Dead, A Nightmare on Elm Street, or both, the woodshed scene is sure to bring a smile to your face and a shiver down your spine.
Pause 'Repulsion' At The Right Time For A True Shock
The mirror scene in Repulsion is a true masterpiece of horror cinema, and is widely considered to be one of the first jump scares in the genre. In the scene, our protagonist Carol (played by the brilliant Catherine Deneuve) is in the midst of a mental breakdown, and begins to see grotesque and terrifying images of herself in the mirror. As she becomes more and more unhinged, the scene becomes increasingly intense and suspenseful, culminating in a shocking and memorable jump scare that is sure to leave audiences gasping.
Released in 1965, Repulsion was one of the first films to truly embrace the horror genre, and paved the way for many of the classic horror films that would follow in its wake. At the time of its release, horror was still a relatively new and untested genre, and Repulsion was a trailblazer in terms of its use of psychological terror and its ability to disturb and unsettle audiences. The mirror scene is a perfect example of this, as it uses a simple and familiar object (a mirror) to create a sense of unease and discomfort that is truly masterful.
For home audiences, pausing the mirror scene in Repulsion is a must in order to fully appreciate the expert craftsmanship that went into creating it. From the chilling music and sound design to the brilliant use of Catherine Deneuve's expressive face, every detail of the scene has been carefully crafted to build tension and suspense. Whether you're a horror aficionado or just looking for a good scare, the mirror scene in Repulsion is sure to delight and terrify in equal measure.
Pause 'Return of the Jedi' at Just The Right Time For a Shocking Surprise
The scene in Return of the Jedi where Darth Vader is electrocuted and audiences can briefly see his skeleton is one of the most famously paused scenes in the Star Wars franchise. In the scene, Vader is being tortured by the Emperor, who is attempting to turn him back to the dark side. As Vader writhes in pain, the electrical charges passing through his body cause his armor to briefly reveal his skeleton, giving audiences a glimpse of the man underneath the mask.
The Star Wars films are among the most popular and beloved franchises in the history of cinema, and Return of the Jedi is no exception. When the film was released in 1983, it was a massive hit with audiences and critics alike, and helped to solidify the franchise's place as a cultural phenomenon. The scene in which Vader is electrocuted is a key moment in the film, as it reveals that there is still some humanity left in him despite his fall to the dark side. This moment of vulnerability and humanity makes Vader a more complex and relatable character, and helps to deepen the emotional impact of the film.
Take A Look At The Boy Plugging His Ears in the Back of This Scene From 'North By Northwest'
The scene in North By Northwest where a boy can be seen holding his ears in the background in anticipation of coming gun fire is a classic example of a blooper, and it's one of the many fun Easter eggs that film enthusiasts love to look for in movies. This particular scene takes place during a tense moment in the film when the main character, played by Cary Grant, is hiding from a group of villains in the Mount Rushmore visitor's center. As Grant petitions Eva Marie Saint's character for a little help, a young boy can be seen holding his ears in the background, seemingly anticipating the loud gunshot that will be fired a few seconds later.
Alfred Hitchcock was known for his attention to detail and his meticulous approach to filmmaking, so it's surprising to see a continuity error like this in one of his films. However, it's important to remember that even the most well-planned and executed productions can have mistakes, and these errors can add an extra layer of enjoyment for audiences who like to pause the movie and look for them.
The Corkscrew Flip In 'The Man With The Golden Gun' Has To Be Paused To Be Believed
The corkscrew car jump scene in The Man With The Golden Gun is certainly one of the most impressive and insane car stunts in film history. In the scene, James Bond chases his nemesis Scaramanga, played by Christopher Lee, in an AMC Hornet before losing him. Bond then has to cross a topsy-turvy bridge in order to continue following Scaramanga. The car performs a series of acrobatic flips through the air before finally landing on the other side, much to the amazement of the audience.
This stunt is particularly impressive because it was performed for real, with no special effects or computer-generated imagery involved. It required incredible precision and skill from the stunt driver, as well as a specially designed car and ramp. The fact that this stunt was performed for real makes it all the more impressive, and it's no wonder that audiences would want to pause the scene to fully appreciate the level of skill and bravery involved.
Overall, the corkscrew car jump scene in The Man With The Golden Gun is a testament to the ingenuity and bravery of stunt performers, and it's one of the most memorable and impressive car stunts in film history.
Hit Pause Fast Enough And You'll Find E.T. in 'The Phantom Menace'
In 1999's Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, E.T. (or three of E.T.'s family members) can be seen in the Galactic Senate during Princess Amadala's speech. This payback to Steven Spielberg including R2-D2 and C-3PO in Raiders of the Lost Ark is not only unexpected but it adds an extra layer of whimsy and humor to the scene if you know when to pause.
Some fans have speculated that E.T. may be a member of a previously unseen alien species, while others have speculated that he may be a force-sensitive being. Regardless of the reason for his appearance, E.T.'s cameo in the Galactic Senate has continued to intrigue and delight fans of the film.
Cybill Shepherd Turned Heads In 'The Last Picture Show'
The counterculture and post counter-culture years of the late 1960’s and 70’s led to movies and other art taking a more critical look at the decades that came before, such as the 1950’s, when explicit films were far more taboo. An example of this is the 1971 teenage coming of age drama The Last Picture Show. The film followed a group of high schoolers in Texas during the early 1950’s and the latter stages of their teenage years. It generated some controversy due to it’s sexual content, but overall, is regarded as an excellent film that portrays the slings and arrows of adolescence well. Famed critic Roger Ebert even named it the best movie of 1971.
Sybil Danning Stuns In 'Chained Heat'
Elizabeth Montgomery as the lead character in 'The Legend of Lizzie Borden' (1975)
Murder mysteries are a genre whose popularity has remained consistent throughout the generations. Tales of murder often lend themselves to questions about ethics, revenge, justifiable violence, psychology, and so on, and can often be controversial in how they ask these questions as well as being quite explicit. The 1975 film The Legend of Lizzie Borden was an example of this. The film follows a still unsolved murder from the 1890’s in New England. The prime suspect was played by Elizabeth Montgomery, who was depicted committing the murders in the film sans clothing, which was censored for American viewers.
Before 'Wonder Woman'... Lynda Carter In 'Bobbi Jo and the Outlaw'
Lynda Carter is most famous for her role as Wonder Woman, but it was not her feature film debut. That came a few months after the release of Wonder Woman in the film Bobbie Jo and the Outlaw. It follows Carter as a young, amateur country music singer, who escapes her life as a waitress and joins with Lyle, played by Marjoe Gortner, who fancies himself a modern day Billy the Kid. They are eventually joined by her sister and her boyfriend and embrace a life of crime. The film was notorious for some explicit scenes featuring Carter.
'A Clockwork Orange' Was Pulled From Theaters In The UK By Its Director, Stanley Kubrick
'Beyond the Valley of the Dolls' Brought Exploitation Cinema To The Mainstream
Behind The Scenes With Madeline Kahn and Mel Brooks on 'Blazing Saddles' (1974)
Jamie Lee Curtis As The Ultimate Final Girl In 'Halloween'
Halloween has long been a cliché setting within which to set a horror film. The apex of this notion is the 1978 classic Halloween starring Jamie Lee Curtis, as this picture shows, in her film debut, and others such as Michael Meyers. The film is lauded as a classic of the horror genre and was even selected by the Library of Congress as being worthy of special preservation. It was controversial at the time due to the sexual themes in the film, but has stood the test of time as being one of the better horror films ever made.
"Marriage functions best when both partners remain somewhat unmarried." -Italian actress Claudia Cardinale, 1966
The behavior of celebrities has always been a cause for public debate and controversy on ethics and personal decisions due to the fact celebrity behavior is covered by tabloids and is always in the public eye. The public often loves nothing more than they do a celebrity scandal, particularly one regarding an affair. Sometimes, controversial statements on subjects like this from celebrities become hot button subjects of debate. This quote by the pictured actress Claudia Cardinale, justifying infidelity, is a great example thereof.
'Monty Python and the Holy Grail' (1975)
Comedy and senses of humor change from generation to generation: often, something one generation finds hysterical will be found to be utterly boring by the next. Some films, however, stand the test of time and become classics of comedy. Monty Python and the Holy Grail is one such film that has never gone out of fashion. The film follows parodies of King Arthur and his court trying to find the illusive holy grail, and their adventures along the way. Since it’s release, it has secured a place on the Mount Rushmore of all-time comedies, but remains controversial to some due to it’s language and themes and the subjects it mocks.
Raquel Welch Courts Controversy In 'Myra Breckinridge'
PJ Soles, Joey Ramone Goofing Around in between scenes in 'Rock N Roll High School'
The Graduate Shocked Audiences With Its Winter-Summer Romance
'Bicycle Thieves' Earned Condemnation For a Few Shocking Scenes
'Black Sunday' Remains A Shocking Piece of Italian Horror
The Violence Of 'Django' Turned the Western Genre Upside Down
No Art Film Shocked Audiences Like 'Flaming Creatures'
Underground artistic films are often breeding grounds for boundary pushing controversy. The pictures 1963 experimental film Flaming Creatures is the absolute picture of this phenomenon. The film is a loosely structured collection of scenes in which most of the characters are dressed in drag. The various scenes are quite graphic, particularly some that have vivid and explicit sexual content. The filmmakers were charged with obscenity and the it was banned, but as a result of this it became a symbol of fighting against such laws and therefore famous as a result.
'John Goldfarb, Please Come Home!' Faced A Lawsuit For Bringing "Immeasurable Damage" To Notre Dame
'Midnight Cowboy' Is The Only X-Rated Film To Win an Academy Award
The Brutality Of 'Peeping Tom' Shocked British Audiences in 1960
Divine Still Shocks Audiences With the Final Scene of 'Pink Flamingos'
Some films invite great controversy and anger by depicting absurd degrees of graphic excess on screen. This is certainly true of the 1972 cult classic Pink Flamingos. It follows a drag queen who makes it her express goal to be as “filthy as possible”. She engages in a wide variety of increasingly outrageous acts, ranging from murder to cannibalism and so on. It ends with a revolting scene wherein she consumes dog feces. The film is considered an example of abject art, where art is detached from social norms.
Jack Nicholson Goes Full Hippie in 'Psych-Out'
'The Devils' Was Built To Stir Controversy
The MPAA Hated 'The Moon is Blue'
The 1950’s was a time of strict cultural conformity and frowned upon controversy and movies pushing the limits of social acceptability. For this reason, the 1953 movie The Moon is Blue was a controversial one. It follows a young unmarried woman who goes to the apartment of two older playboy men. They are disappointed when their efforts to win her over fail as she much prefers to discuss the hot button cultural issues around sexuality of the day. The discussion of these topics on film made it a controversial release.
Marlon Brando In 'The Wild One'
'Titicut Follies' Exposed The Horrific Conditions In Mental Hospitals... and Was Condemned For Doing So
Often times, governments are far more interested in trying to censor documentaries directly investigating societal issues than they are in doing so with provocative films. Titicut Follies was a documentary that was released in 1967 that investigated and shed light on a mental hospital in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. Frederick Wiseman produced and directed the film, and it exposed the awful conditions of the facility. The state of Massachusetts went to great lengths to block its release, stating that it violated the inmates right to privacy. It was not until 1992 that it was publicly shown on PBS.
Disney's 'The Vanishing Prairie' Got Almost Became Extinct Thanks To The Censorship Board
The Focus On Homosexuality In 'Victim' Made It A Target Of Censorship Boards In the US and the UK
Brigitte Bardot and Jeanne Moreau Get Revolutionary in 'Viva Maria!'
'The Wild Bunch' Proved To Be Too Bloody For Censors
Charles Bronson Stars In 'Death Wish,' A Film That Critics Felt Went Too Far
The crime wave of the late 1960’s made the issue a highly salient one in the public eye. As such, films addressing the issue became popular. Few achieved as much success as 1974’s Death Wish starring Paul Bronson. It follows a man whose wife and daughter are murdered on their way home by criminals. Bronson’s character embraces vigilante justice and hunts down criminals to kill them. The film was controversial for its violence but was highly successful.
