In 1972, a seemingly typical shoestring budget pornographic film was made in a Florida hotel: "Deep Throat," starring Linda Lovelace. This film would surpass the wildest expectation of everyone involved to become one of the most successful independent films of all time. It caught the public imagination which met the spirit of the times, even as the self-appointed guardians of public morality struggled to suppress it, and created, for a brief moment, a possible future where sexuality in film had a bold artistic potential. This film covers the story of the making of this controversial film, its stunning success, its hysterical opposition along with its dark side of mob influence and allegations of the on set mistreatment of the film's star.
13 Mar Inside Deep Throat (2005)
Momentus
“Deep Throat“ is an incompetent movie that had a phenomenal effect. So I guess it is appropriate that a documentary on some of those effects be less than competent as well.
Here’s the interesting thing. No one should live without understanding a few basic things about themselves. Film is a large factor in how we imagine and define ourselves. “Deep Throat” is an influential film. But it isn’t worth watching, indeed watching it gives you no insight into its importance.
So we needed something like this. I just wish the enormity of the effect of “Deep Throat” would justify an appropriately well constructed documentary.
The problem with this thing is that there are lots of stories: the story of the mob and obscene profits; the story of the birth of the porn industry; the story of the mainstreaming of fellatio; the story of Linda and another of Harry.
And then there’s the story of the rise of the religious right in politics, and the freezing of political positions on both sides at comical forms based on near-term tactics of the moment. And how celebrities and power brokers picked sides in the accidental divide this caused.
Finally, you have what didn’t happen. Overt sex hasn’t entered mainstream cinema.
Any of these would make a good documentary, and be a heavy challenge for a talented documentarian. All of these are tossed together here as if they were all the same story. None is explored beyond being merely mentioned.
I hope someone does better some time.
Posted in 2006
Ted’s Evaluation — 2 of 3: Has some interesting elements.
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