Discuss sex and violence in movies of the 70s.

Assignment Brief

• Papers must be typewritten and double-spaced. No papers will be accepted by e-mail. Minimum length: three pages.
• Papers must be stapled
• Name – Class Name – and date must be on the front page on paper. 

Write a paper which answers one of the questions below.

1. What was the status , fictional and real , of women in Hollywood from 1950 to today?
2. If the movie spectacular was basically a failure in the 60s, why did it re-emerge and surge in popularity as the “blockbuster” in the 70s? Was there an essential differentiating trait between the “big” movies of these two eras? Actors? Stories? Effects? Sound?
3. Discuss sex and violence in movies of the 70s. What do you think brought on increasingly graphic scenes of sex in general, but also violent sex and even rape?

Sample Answer

Sex and Violence in 1970s Cinema: Causes and Cultural Impact

The 1970s marked a major shift in Hollywood filmmaking, particularly in the portrayal of sex and violence. Compared to earlier decades, the decade saw a sharp rise in graphic scenes of nudity, sexual acts, and violent acts , including sexual violence and rape. This change was not random, but rather the result of several cultural, political, and industrial developments happening both inside and outside of Hollywood.

Collapse of the Studio System and Rise of New Hollywood

One of the biggest reasons for the shift in content during the 70s was the decline of the old studio system in the 60s. By the early 70s, a new generation of directors , often called the "New Hollywood" filmmakers , began to take creative control. These included directors like Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, and Stanley Kubrick. They were heavily influenced by European cinema, which was known for being more open about sex and violence.

Movies like A Clockwork Orange (1971) and Taxi Driver (1976) included shocking scenes that dealt with rape, mental illness, and brutal violence. These filmmakers wanted to reflect real-life issues and were less interested in sanitised, feel-good entertainment.

Cultural Shifts in Society

The 1970s was a time of huge social change in America. The sexual revolution of the 60s had loosened moral boundaries. Birth control had become widely available, and taboos around sex were being openly challenged. This cultural shift influenced Hollywood, which started to explore sexual themes more directly.

At the same time, the feminist movement was rising. Ironically, while women were fighting for empowerment, films of the time often showed female characters being sexually exploited or victimised. While some argue this was a way of confronting ugly truths, others believe it reflected continued sexism in the industry.

Violent crime was also on the rise in real life, particularly in urban areas like New York. This fear and anxiety were reflected in gritty crime dramas and thrillers. Films like Death Wish (1974) and Straw Dogs (1971) included scenes of rape and revenge that disturbed many viewers but also sparked public debate.

End of the Hays Code and the Rise of the Ratings System

Another key reason behind the change was the end of the old censorship system known as the Hays Code. Replaced by the MPAA ratings system in 1968, filmmakers now had more freedom to explore adult themes, as long as their films were rated appropriately.

This change encouraged studios to push boundaries, especially in R-rated films that could still make money while showing graphic material. The new system allowed them to reach mature audiences without worrying about traditional moral guidelines.

Artistic Experimentation and Shock Value

During the 70s, shock value became a tool for artistic expression. Directors believed that shocking the audience would make them think more deeply. In Last Tango in Paris (1972), for example, controversial scenes of non-consensual sex led to both critical praise and public outcry.

At the same time, independent filmmakers and exploitation films started to become popular. These low-budget films often focused on explicit sex and violence purely to attract audiences. While they may not have had high artistic goals, they helped normalise extreme content in cinema.

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