Year: 1920
Director: Fred Niblo
Country: US
Language: N/A
I found the film Sex (1920) when I was searching for the most outrageous films made during the roaring twenties. Never in my film education did this film come up, albeit it's so far off center that it must have missed most silent buffs' radar. Why was this picture made and how has it not been lost like so many others? Was it controversial for its time? I had to find out.
A broadway actress (Louise Glaum) uses her sex appeal to ruin a marriage only to dump her lover for a richer prospect.
Upon theatrical release Sex was a sensation, garnering critical acclaim and commercial success. Newspapers gave the picture extensive coverage as reviewers were lined up to critique this picture. Playing of the title, many newspapers were subject to controversy as the advertisers urged the public to see "SEX SEX SEX SEX SEX!". Some states refused to show the film because of its provacative title.
Sex looked ahead to a decade of flappers, Jazz and gin-soaked sin that would push against convention a little harder every year - albeit being completely against it. It's a morality film that pushes Cecil B Demille areas of preachiness. It's completely against the idea of infidelity and, though scenes of debauchery are present, asks us to not engage in such a lifestyle.
Considering the title, it's a little bit of a bummer that Sex isn't a carnal drug fueled picture and more of a trip to the church. I suppose parts of it are enjoyable to watch; certainly the acting is pretty remarkable and the story is engaging. If you're looking for 1920's sin in all its glory watch Chicago (1927) instead.
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