Movie producers and directors often try to gather their viewers by filming shocking scenes. Others come up with all sorts of weird ideas in order to better promote their movies. However, when movies get out of control and depict gratuitous scenes just to incite curiosity, we realize that some motion pictures should have never seen the light of day. Many countries have strict regulations and ban certain films, but somehow they still make their way to some big or small screens. Here are 7 movies that should have never been released, for the good of their audiences.
1. Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom
Released: 1975
Directed By: Pier Paolo Pasolini
The first controversial movie on our list has been banned in numerous countries due to its violent content. The events happen during the Second World War in Italy, where a group of children has fallen prey to unspeakable acts of cruelty. Filled with gruesome scenes, this movie has not been forbidden for naught and should be forgotten for good.
2. Pretty Baby
Released: 1978
Directed By: Louis Malle
Regulations for movies and their cast were quite different forty years ago. It so happens that Brooke Shields managed to play the role of a prostitute at the fragile age of only twelve. Furthermore, she was allowed to film a nude scene, which is forbidden today. Child actors nowadays have extremely strict programs which don’t expose them in any way and don’t allow them to tire themselves by working long hours.
3. Cruising
Released: 1980
Directed By: William Friedkin
Starring Al Pacino, Cruising had the potential of becoming a positive motion picture about the gay community. William Friedkin received positive reviews for his previous movie, The Boys in the Band, which was released in 1970. However, the director didn’t manage to depict the gay society in a truly significant way and ended up being accused of homophobia.
4. The Passion of The Christ
Released: 2004
Directed By: Mel Gibson
This movie by Mel Gibson became controversial for two reasons: the depiction of religion and the depiction of violence. Religious groups from all over the world were outraged at the representation of the last days in the life of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, many viewers found themselves looking away from the screen because of the high level of gratuitous violence, which was completely unnecessary for the advancement of the story.
5. The Brown Bunny
Released: 2004
Directed By: Vincent Gallo
Roger Ebert named The Brown Bunny the worst movie that was ever featured at the Film Festival in Cannes. He even went further by stating that one day he will be thin, but Vincent Gallo will remain forever the director of the awful movie. So why is it considered that bad? Simply because it has no substance and no quality whatsoever and the action is dull. There was only one significant scene in the movie between Vincent Gallo and Chloë Sevigny.
6. Antichrist
Released: 2009
Directed By: Lars von Trier
Lars von Trier is well known for his weird movies which have been banned in many countries. Antichrist is one of them. The movie is considered to contain the most gruesome scenes of self-harm in history. While the director defends the movie as being his form of artistic expression, it is hard to take him seriously if we take into consideration his statement about understanding the motives of Hitler.
7. The Interview
Released: 2014
Directed By: Evan Goldberg and Seth Rogen
The most recent controversial movie was released in 2014 during something many called a total fiasco. After its release, hackers cracked the emails of high figures from Hollywood, revealing to the whole wide world their racist discussions. Apparently the hackers wanted to stop Sony Pictures from releasing the movie, and the company did pull out the movie from cinemas after the great reveal. The Interview features James Franco and Seth Rogan as CIA agents who are trying to assassinate Kim Jong-un, the North Korean leader, during an interview. After being highly criticised for their move (even by President Barack Obama), Sony Pictures re-released the movie on Netflix and in selected cinemas.
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