5 Contemporary Films That Prove No Voice Gets More Controversial Than Hollywood
Hollywood has long been a battleground for controversy, using cinema as a platform to challenge societal norms, question authority, and push artistic boundaries. And while many industries shy away from divisive issues, Hollywood chose to lean into them, generating debates that extend far beyond the silver screen.
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Take Martin Scorsese’s The Last Temptation of Christ (1988), for instance: this film is considered one of the most controversial films in cinematic history due to its unconventional portrayal of Jesus Christ. It presents a deeply human Jesus who struggles with doubt, fear, and human desires, which is in contrast with the more traditional divine depiction found in Christian teachings. Plus, many were shocked that Scorsese, a filmmaker with a well-known Catholic upbringing, would create a film that seemed to challenge traditional Christian doctrine. And yet…
Fast forward to this day, and while the issues may have changed a bit, Hollywood is still able to spark debates and get people angry. Sure, some films lean into political correctness more than ever, but there are still those movies that push buttons and keep us all talking. So, why don’t we take a look at five contemporary films that prove our point?
Joker (2019) – A Dark Reflection on Society
Todd Phillips’ Jokercaused a major stir when it hit theaters in 2019. Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of Arthur Fleck, a lonely, troubled guy, who eventually becomes the infamous villain, sparked intense debates on mental illness, gun violence, and whether the film glorifies hate and violence. Some critics were worried it might inspire real-world chaos, while others saw it as a deep, thought-provoking commentary on society’s darker corners. Whatever side you took, one thing was clear: Joker made people uncomfortable, and it sparked discussions about sensitive topics like “incels” (involuntary celibates) and mental health.
Don’t Look Up (2021) – Mocking Climate Change Denial
Adam McKay’s Don’t Look Up was a satirical take on climate change and political inaction, showing scientists desperately trying to warn the world about an impending comet collision. The film’s plot served as a metaphor for how society is ignoring the climate crisis. Some people thought it was a hilarious critique of modern-day apathy; others thought it was way too on-the-nose and preachy. In the end, the movie got a lot of people talking, whether they liked it or not. It proved once again that Hollywood films can be funny and make a serious point about a looming threat.
The Hunt (2020) – Political Polarization in America
The controversy around The Hunt started before the movie even hit theaters. The satirical thriller about liberal elites hunting conservative “deplorables” for sport was delayed after mass shootings and public backlash. Politicians, including President Donald Trump, called it dangerous. But when audiences actually saw the film, they realized it mocked both sides of the political spectrum. The film showed how Hollywood can quickly get misunderstood in today’s highly charged political environment.
The Apprentice (2024) – An Outrageous Political Biopic
Speaking of Donald Trump, The Apprentice is a film that dives into the early years of the president’s life. Directed by Iranian-Danish filmmaker Ali Abbasi, the movie was controversial from the beginning. Many people in the U.S. found the subject matter incredibly provocative and criticized the film for focusing on Trump’s rise to power. Abbasi himself was shocked by the backlash, saying that he tried to depict Trump as a complex, nuanced character with care. He even joked, “I thought I’d get a thank-you letter or something.” Guess that didn’t happen, huh?
The Interview (2014) – America vs North Korea
This one’s a little old, but it’s still one of the most outrageous Hollywood controversies. The Interview, a goofy comedy starring Seth Rogen and James Franco, takes aim at North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un. The film was meant to be funny, but it quickly turned into an international incident. North Korean hackers, allegedly backed by the regime, hacked Sony Pictures and leaked a ton of private emails in retaliation. It became a massive scandal, and the film’s release was even pulled for a while. But in the end, The Interview turned out to be Sony Pictures’ highest-grossing online release, showing just how much controversy can fuel a movie’s success.
These five movies prove that Hollywood still knows how to shake things up. Whether tackling big issues like mental health, politics, or climate change, the industry keeps making films that spark debates, challenge perspectives, and get everyone talking. Love them or hate them, they’re a reminder that Hollywood isn’t afraid to push limits and hit a nerve.
CULTURE (counter, pop, and otherwise) and the people who shape it.
5 Contemporary Films That Prove No Voice Gets More Controversial Than Hollywood
Hollywood has long been a battleground for controversy, using cinema as a platform to challenge societal norms, question authority, and push artistic boundaries. And while many industries shy away from divisive issues, Hollywood chose to lean into them, generating debates that extend far beyond the silver screen.
Take Martin Scorsese’s The Last Temptation of Christ (1988), for instance: this film is considered one of the most controversial films in cinematic history due to its unconventional portrayal of Jesus Christ. It presents a deeply human Jesus who struggles with doubt, fear, and human desires, which is in contrast with the more traditional divine depiction found in Christian teachings. Plus, many were shocked that Scorsese, a filmmaker with a well-known Catholic upbringing, would create a film that seemed to challenge traditional Christian doctrine. And yet…
Fast forward to this day, and while the issues may have changed a bit, Hollywood is still able to spark debates and get people angry. Sure, some films lean into political correctness more than ever, but there are still those movies that push buttons and keep us all talking. So, why don’t we take a look at five contemporary films that prove our point?
Joker (2019) – A Dark Reflection on Society
Todd Phillips’ Joker caused a major stir when it hit theaters in 2019. Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of Arthur Fleck, a lonely, troubled guy, who eventually becomes the infamous villain, sparked intense debates on mental illness, gun violence, and whether the film glorifies hate and violence. Some critics were worried it might inspire real-world chaos, while others saw it as a deep, thought-provoking commentary on society’s darker corners. Whatever side you took, one thing was clear: Joker made people uncomfortable, and it sparked discussions about sensitive topics like “incels” (involuntary celibates) and mental health.
Don’t Look Up (2021) – Mocking Climate Change Denial
Adam McKay’s Don’t Look Up was a satirical take on climate change and political inaction, showing scientists desperately trying to warn the world about an impending comet collision. The film’s plot served as a metaphor for how society is ignoring the climate crisis. Some people thought it was a hilarious critique of modern-day apathy; others thought it was way too on-the-nose and preachy. In the end, the movie got a lot of people talking, whether they liked it or not. It proved once again that Hollywood films can be funny and make a serious point about a looming threat.
The Hunt (2020) – Political Polarization in America
The controversy around The Hunt started before the movie even hit theaters. The satirical thriller about liberal elites hunting conservative “deplorables” for sport was delayed after mass shootings and public backlash. Politicians, including President Donald Trump, called it dangerous. But when audiences actually saw the film, they realized it mocked both sides of the political spectrum. The film showed how Hollywood can quickly get misunderstood in today’s highly charged political environment.
The Apprentice (2024) – An Outrageous Political Biopic
Speaking of Donald Trump, The Apprentice is a film that dives into the early years of the president’s life. Directed by Iranian-Danish filmmaker Ali Abbasi, the movie was controversial from the beginning. Many people in the U.S. found the subject matter incredibly provocative and criticized the film for focusing on Trump’s rise to power. Abbasi himself was shocked by the backlash, saying that he tried to depict Trump as a complex, nuanced character with care. He even joked, “I thought I’d get a thank-you letter or something.” Guess that didn’t happen, huh?
The Interview (2014) – America vs North Korea
This one’s a little old, but it’s still one of the most outrageous Hollywood controversies. The Interview, a goofy comedy starring Seth Rogen and James Franco, takes aim at North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un. The film was meant to be funny, but it quickly turned into an international incident. North Korean hackers, allegedly backed by the regime, hacked Sony Pictures and leaked a ton of private emails in retaliation. It became a massive scandal, and the film’s release was even pulled for a while. But in the end, The Interview turned out to be Sony Pictures’ highest-grossing online release, showing just how much controversy can fuel a movie’s success.
These five movies prove that Hollywood still knows how to shake things up. Whether tackling big issues like mental health, politics, or climate change, the industry keeps making films that spark debates, challenge perspectives, and get everyone talking. Love them or hate them, they’re a reminder that Hollywood isn’t afraid to push limits and hit a nerve.