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Susan Bordo's avatar

Dearest Everyone Who Comments:

I always take a day’s break after I finish a stack. But I will return tomorrow to respond to your comments!!

Susan.

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Ramona Grigg's avatar

I despised that movie right from the get-go. I didn’t see it in a theater, I know that. I’m guessing I rented it at some video store. I don’t know if I even watched the entire movie--I either missed the anal rape or I've blocked it--but I saw enough to judge it not as art but as one more attempt at exploitative shock to sell movies.

The ugliness of the sex between them seemed so theatrical, so pointedly awful, I didn't feel anything but anger. Not sadness, not disgust, not titillation--just anger. I wondered for a long time why either actor would agree to take part in such a terrible movie. Especially Brando, who was so good in his other movies, so true to his own unique talents, and yet was so utterly and obviously uncomfortable in this role. (I'm guessing Bertolucci was the draw. If it had been anyone else, he might not have done it.)

But at the same time, it didn't shock me that it made waves. I rented it, didn't I? I saw "I am Curious Yellow", I saw "Deep Throat", I saw "9 1/2 Weeks", I read "Fear of Flying", I read Nancy Friday, I read Anaïs Nin...so it wasn't as if I was sheltered. But I hated every Hollywood thing about it. (Though Bertolucci would have hated the reference.)

But I have to say, your take, as always, is fascinating. You go deep, you look at all sides, you personalize your findings, and you make it so damned interesting I wouldn't think of quitting until I'd read the entire thing. So thank you once again. And please keep it up. 😉

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