I haven’t witnessed a good old-fashioned walk out from the cinema since….1991..with the screening of Oshima’s Ai no corrida (In the Realm of the Senses) at the Duke of York’s cinema in Brighton.
The film was made in 1975 but it didn’t receive a classification until 1989, released in 1991 (possibly languishing during those years in the vaults of the BBFC).
It’s described as probably the most famous erotic film ever made. Indeed it is haunting, and powerful. Essentially the film is about a sexual relationship that intensifies, becoming obsessional and disturbing for both of the characters.
The nature of their relationship develops in a claustrophobic manner along while their sexual fantasies lead to a tragic climax (based on a true btw). What got the film in trouble with the censorious censors was the unsimulated sex (the film was seized by American customs when originally released).
I saw the film when it was released in 1991. What was entertaining, unintentional I hasten to add, was the sheer number of people walking out of cinema. The walk outs proved to be a distraction, listening to people slam the back of their seats as an expression of their disgust (?) as they stormed out. The walk outs mainly happened during the intensification of the sex scenes.
I have to say I was utterly bemused watching this spectacle. And I admit I have never ever walked out of a screening. Indeed, films have created a various set of differing responses… I have been.. repulsed, shocked, delighted, engaged, shocked, appalled, enlightened, scared…and bored. But I have never walked out as a result.
In the Realm of the Senses captivated and engaged me, I certainly didn’t feel the urge to walk out. I am unsure why these people walked, ..possibly…definitely…maybe…due to shock at the unrelenting sex scenes, along with a large dose of moralism misguidedly based on making a political point….
The cinema was originally packed but towards the end, well the section where I was sitting was empty. So the reason I am reminiscing about this is because the BFI is screening this specific film from next weekend as part of the Oshima season.
And I have booked my ticket.
I have only ever walked out of the cinema once: I was persuaded by a friend to see a film I can’t even remember the name of. It was one of those terrible comedy-martial arts films. Anyway, I was so bored I went to get pizza long before the end. Apart from that, my usual tactic is to fall asleep – as with Lemony Snicket: a series of unfortunate events, and the Brothers’ Grimm.
Dave, I have fallen asleep in the cinema, one occasion due to being..erm, intoxicated…by that evil substance known as alcohol. I recall seeing the film The Rainbow (Ken Russell …more boring than controversial) and this bloke sitting behind me was snoring ever sooooo loud. Frankly, I didn’t blame him as I wished I coulda nodded off as well.
I have never picketed a film either, I remember pickets ouside the film Nine 1/2 Weeks. I didn’t join in as I thought it was pointless. That deserves a post in itself.
I saw some folks walk out of Crouching Tiger when they realised it would be subtitled… apparently they hadn’t realised it was, y’know, a Chinese language film. There’s no accounting for audiences.
Realm of the Senses is not a film I’ve ever got around to seeing, though perhaps I should.
Oh, and please do 9 1/2 Weeks. And I promise I’ll get round to my blog on Tinto Brass.
Jiminy Cricket..Splinty! Tinto Brass….methinks Caligula. Now that was a film I fell asleep in front of the telly.
[...] wrote before about seeing the film In the Realm of the Senses way back in 1991 when it was awarded a classification in the UK. Funny [...]