When it comes to the big screen, sex scenes are not always welcomed with open arms and tingly privates. Many of the most iconic love-making scenes in the big screen have generated countless protests, bans and even boycotts. Below, we’ll highlight some of the most memorable yet controversial moments in sex-scene history – putting all that free porn to shame. Perhaps they might even inspire you to try out something new in the boudoir.
1. Ecstasy by Gustav Machaty (1933) – This classic Czechoslovakian film wasn’t exactly the first to depict a sexual act on-screen. However, it was actress Hedy Lamarr’s orgasm simulation that caused everyone to be all up in arms. After numerous censorships and the denouncement of Ecstasy by the the U.S. Department of Treasury (and even Hitler) – the epic close-up of Lamarr’s ‘ O Face’ still stands as a must-see.
2. The Devils by Ken Russell (1971) – This film was so disturbing, that even in this day and age some people still find it hard to watch. One scene in specific raised all sorts of conflicts between producers and religious groups: possessed nuns masturbating with crucifixes and sculptures of Jesus. If that’s not controversial, I don’t know what is.
3. Pink Flamingos by William Friedkin (1980) – Taking bestiality to a whole new level, Pink Flamingos portrays a homosexual couple having sex with a chicken in between them. The biggest cause for controversy however, was not so much the act of bestiality, but the clear evidence of exploitation of the chicken at hand. Animal rights groups had a field day with this one.
4. Kids by Larry Clark (1995) – Despite it being controversial in its entirety, Kids managed to shock audiences right off the bat. In a sex scene where a 12 year-old girl loses her virginity to a 17 year-old boy, many were quick to label the movie as being close to kiddie porn. However, producers were quick to point out that the actress was in fact 18 years-old.
5. The Reader by Stephen Daldry (2008) – Don’t let this film’s modern-day production date fool you. Not only does it feature statutory rape but it also attempts to humanize a Nazi character (Kate Winslet) by depicting her softer side as a lover – even though her character was the one committing the crime.