Movie spotlight
That's Sexploitation!
Before the advent of modern-day pornography, a vast and rapidly-paced world of smut peddling was the norm, complete with its own secret history. This documentary reveals the untold story of American cinema's gloriously sordid cinematic past. Starting in the 1920s, expert exploiteer David F. Friedman and Henenlotter navigate us through more than five salacious decades of skin flicks. It's the true story of dirty movies, traced in elegant detail from the bizarre locations where these nudie shorts were screened to the ongoing legal battles fought by their promoters. And of course there are the stories of the innovators themselves, people who often risked their own security and livelihood to make these films, believing in some way that what they were doing wasn't a 'bad' thing - and that it could rake in some dough.
Insights
Plot Summary
This documentary explores the rise and fall of the American sexploitation film industry, covering its history from the 1950s through the 1970s. It delves into the creative forces behind these often controversial films, the legal battles they faced, and their enduring cultural impact. The film features interviews with many of the key figures who shaped this unique genre.
Critical Reception
That's Sexploitation! was generally well-received by critics and audiences interested in cult cinema and film history. It was praised for its comprehensive look at a niche genre and its interviews with prominent figures within the industry. While not a mainstream blockbuster, it found an appreciative audience among film buffs and documentary enthusiasts.
What Reviewers Say
Offers a fascinating and often humorous deep dive into a forgotten era of cinema.
Features candid interviews with the filmmakers who defined the sexploitation genre.
Appreciated for its historical context and examination of the cultural impact of these films.
Google audience: Information not available.
Fun Fact
Director Gary Thell managed to secure interviews with many of the pioneering figures of the sexploitation genre, including producers like David F. Friedman and directors like Al Adamson, many of whom were rarely interviewed for other documentaries.
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