Controversial Film Had Sex Scene So Graphic It Was Banned Across The World

Over the years, the film industry has seen its fair share of controversy, but the uproar surrounding a particular 1996 movie remains noteworthy.

Directed by David Cronenberg, who is renowned for his exploration of ‘body horror,’ this film sparked reactions ranging from distaste to outright disgust, leading to numerous attempts to have it banned.The controversy reached a peak when the film received an award at the Cannes Film Festival, only to be met with boos from those who had watched it there.

Credit: New Line Cinema

David Cronenberg himself has even stated that Francis Ford Coppola, the legendary director behind The Godfather, played a role in preventing the film from winning the prestigious Palme d’Or.

The backlash didn’t stop at Cannes.In the UK, The Daily Mail, a newspaper known for its conservative stance, launched a campaign to have the film banned entirely.

Despite these efforts, the British Board of Film Classification eventually approved the film for release without cuts, albeit after a significant delay.However, the Westminster Council decided to override this decision, banning the film from being shown in certain parts of London.

The movie was booed at the Cannes Film Festival.Credit: New Line Cinema

Similar actions were taken by theater managers in Ohio and Norway, who refused to screen the film, citing their disgust with its content as the reason.

This situation sparked debates about the limits of free speech.So, what is it about this film that caused such strong reactions?

Credit: New Line Cinema

The movie in question is “Crash,” which delves into the lives of a married couple in an open relationship, disillusioned with their sexual experiences.

Their lives take a dramatic turn when one of them survives a potentially fatal car accident, discovering a peculiar arousal from the ordeal.This leads them to a group of individuals with a similar, unconventional fascination.

“Crash” is notorious for its explicit sex scenes, starting off with intense violence and incorporating deeply disturbing imagery.A warning for those sensitive to graphic content: one of the film’s most shocking scenes depicts a man engaging in sexual activity with a woman’s leg scar, an injury she obtained in a car accident.

The film follows people who are turned on by car crashes.Credit: New Line Cinema

The film’s climax even suggests that the ultimate desire of these thrill-seekers is to perish in a car crash, highlighting the extremity of their fetish.

Despite the Daily Mail’s vigorous campaign, the film was not completely banned in the UK, though it faced restrictions in certain areas.Roger Ebert, a renowned film critic at the time, described “Crash” as “challenging, courageous, and original,” calling it a “strange and insightful dissection of the mechanics of pornography.”

He respected the film for its boldness, though he admitted, “I admired it, although I cannot say I ‘liked’ it.””Crash” undeniably sparked widespread debate, leaving audiences divided between fascination and revulsion.

For those curious to see what caused such a stir, “Crash” is available for streaming on Apple TV in the US, offering a chance to form your own opinion on this controversial piece of cinema history.