Somebody's Sins

It tops a ton of Most Controversial Films lists, so I felt obliged to watch Jesus die again on celluloid. The critics describe Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" as virulently anti-Semitic and a religious snuff flick. I disagree on the first point and half agree with the second one. The scene in which Roman guards beat Jesus is so blood-soaking relentless that the actual crucifixion is a relief. Mel's view is that Jesus suffered, and he certainly drives home that belief. Not the best religious film out there (I vote for Pasolini's "The Gospel According to St. Matthew"), but this is still a powerful movie about being a witness. Some witnesses, like Mary, step forward, while others step back. (Images via Independentcritics.com and Cnn.com)

Rarely Seen Dog

As part of its film series honoring composer Ennio Morricone, Film Forum is screening Sam Fuller's "White Dog," a flick that I've been dying to see for ages. Not only does it fit the bill for my own controversial film roster, but it stars '70s child actress Kristy McNichol. The 1982 movie is about a dog that has been trained to attack only African-Americans. Needless to say, "White Dog" was shelved for a decade and was never released theatrically. In addition, it's hard to find on DVD. My fascination with Kristy McNichol dates back to "Family" and especially after she had a breakdown in the '80s and dropped out of sight. I'm currently renting a bunch of K.M. DVDs and will definitely post on her. (Image via Film Forum)

A Day at the Park

Before there was "Blair Witch Project," there was "Punishment Park." Directed by Peter Watkins, this 1971 fake documentary seems so real it's scary. The film is about a detention center, called Punishment Park, in which anti-Vietnam War protesters are questioned by a tribunal about their activities. The prisoners then can opt for a jail sentence or Punishment Park, which is an endurance test to reach an American Flag planted in the desert without being captured by the National Guard. While watching the film, I did not see one moment in which I saw the players "acting." The grainy 16mm footage, the explosive emotions, and the choppy editing make it seem like a "Punishment Park" did actually exist. Although the hippies and yippies seem time-capsule worthy, the idea that the U.S. government could arrest citizens without just cause and wipe them off the slate is more topical than ever before.

Drive-in Saturday

In this weekly feature, I review in one sentence or less videos/DVDs of movies that you either have seen already or wouldn't bother to see.

"I Am Curious: Yellow" (1967), directed by Vilgot Sjöman: Humorous flick that's more about Swedish politics and society than sex.

Drive-in Saturday

In this weekly feature, I review in one sentence or less videos/DVDs of movies that you either have seen already or wouldn't bother to see.

"Ms. 45" (1981), directed by Abel Ferrara: Cut-above revenge flick. (Image via Moviebadgirls.com)

Drive-in Saturday

In this weekly feature, I review in one sentence or less videos/DVDs of movies that you either have seen already or wouldn't bother to see.

"The Warriors" (1979), directed by Walter Hill: Dynamic opening credit sequence makes me wanna come out to play-hey.

Thumb Tokes

The movie came out in 1956, but I must admit that the opening shots of "Baby Doll" are still shocking. The most well-known image is of Carroll Baker, who plays a child bride to Karl Malden, asleep in a crib sucking her thumb. This image isn't too shocking; it's the closeup that should earn this flick its controversial label. A sleepy Baker takes a few sucks off her thumb. Wow. The most surprising thing about this film, which was directd by Elia Kazan from a Tennessee Williams screenplay, is that it's really funny. Almost all the scenes with a sexually pent-up Malden are hilarious. Oddest casting choice: Eli Wallach as a suave Italian businessman. (Image via HarlowGold)

This Medium Isn't for the Message

I recently watched "The Message" as part of my own mini-Controversial Film Fest. This 1977 movie about the origins of Islam is considered controversial because terrorists protested its release by holding 100 people hostage in D.C. and shooting future mayor Marion Barry. According to Muslim beliefs, Mohammed cannot be depicted on screen nor can his voice be heard, so that was a very tall order for director Moustapha Akkad. Actors speak directly to the camera as "Mohammed" and then repeat what the prophet says, sort of like what William Hurt did for deaf Marlee Matlin in "Children of a Lesser God." It's a bit awkward. Anthony Quinn gets top billing, but only because he's the only known actor in the flick. And what is "The Message"? There is only one God, and Mohommed is his messenger. That is phrase is uttered about a million times during the movie. The controversy? Seems pretty tame to me.

In Defense of the Bunny

Don't believe the hype. The much maligned "The Brown Bunny" isn't as bad as the critics say. Directed by Vincent Gallo, the 2003 flick is about a motorcycle racer who drives across the country while thinking about his long-lost girlfriend. True, the storyline is barely there. True, the camera is trained on Gallo's face a lot. And, true, a TV commercial contains more dialogue than "B.B." However, this movie is definitely cinematic and evocative. Gallo captured some tremendous images, such as highway lines disappearing at night and cycling through Salt Flats. Critics don't like a beginner director making an abstract flick after directing an engaging sleeper ("Buffalo '66"). A director has to prove himself as a storyteller again and again before he can do something abstract, like Gus Van Sant did with "Gerry" and "Elephant." For me, I hope Gallo keeps doing what turns him on.

Drive-in Saturday

In this weekly feature, I review in one sentence or less videos/DVDs of movies that you either have seen already or wouldn't bother to see.

"The Night Porter" (1974), directed by Liliana Cavani: Kinky and depressing.

Cruising for a Bruising

After 26 years, I finally got to see William Friedkin's "Cruising." Starring Al Pacino as an undercover cop who investigates gay murders, this 1980 flick was wildly controversial when it was released. Last night, IFC broadcasted the time capsule movie. Best part: Al Pacino's acting is very subtle, nothing like his current style of over-the-top histrionics. The film definitely didn't hold back in depicting the leather bars; there's lots of male bare bottoms dancing around. I can see why gay groups were upset. The theme is basically that if you're a closeted gay, you go insane and kill people.