Why Certain Iconic Films Would Not Be Made Today: A Study in Changing Cultural Norms

The entertainment industry has always been a barometer of cultural shifts and societal changes. Over the years, certain films that were considered groundbreaking and influential in their time would likely not be produced today due to changes in cultural sensibilities and political correctness norms. This article explores several notable films that would face significant challenges, and even be considered impossible, to produce in the current climate.

The Birth of a Nation (1915)

One of the most striking examples of a film that would struggle to be made today is The Birth of a Nation. This 1915 film is often heralded as a pioneering piece of cinematic art, but it is also deeply problematic due to its glorification of the Ku Klux Klan and its racist portrayal of African Americans. In today's cultural environment, it would face immense backlash and scrutiny. Any attempt to produce such a film would likely result in severe criticism from a wide array of social and racial justice advocates.

Triumph of the Will (1935)

Triumph of the Will, Leni Riefenstahl’s infamous propaganda film celebrating Nazi Germany and Adolf Hitler, would be widely condemned today as Nazi propaganda. The film’s release in the current climate would likely garner immediate condemnation and could face bans or severe restrictions. The political context and cultural sensibilities in contemporary society make it challenging, if not impossible, to produce and distribute films like this.

The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)

Martin Scorsese’s controversial film, The Last Temptation of Christ, which depicted Jesus Christ having sexual fantasies, faced intense opposition from religious groups in its time. While it remained controversial, the film would face even greater resistance today. The clash between religious beliefs and artistic freedom would likely result in much higher rates of censorship and opposition, making it an extremely challenging venture to produce.

Blazing Saddles (1974)

Mel Brooks' iconic satirical Western, Blazing Saddles, is known for its extensive use of racial slurs and stereotypes. Modern audiences would find the film offensive, and it would likely be considered an unacceptable offense. Attempts to produce and distribute the film today would face significant backlash, including protests and public statements against its perpetuation of harmful stereotypes.

Song of the South (1946)

Disney’s romanticized depiction of the post-Civil War American South, and its portrayal of slavery, would be viewed as highly problematic today. The film’s cultural insensitivity and historical inaccuracies would likely result in widespread criticism and even calls for its ban. The controversy surrounding the film's depiction of racial dynamics has led to its removal from Disney 's channel and its availability in the United States.

The Dam Busters and the Impact of Modern Censorship

One illustrative case in point is the potential remake of The Dam Busters. Around 15-20 years ago, Peter Jackson was preparing to make a lavishly budgeted remake that addressed some of the historical shortcomings of the original film, including the propaganda and strategic significance of the operation and the loss of innocent German civilians. The project was nearly finalized until it was stymied by a single issue: the name of the operation’s leader's dog, named Nigger.

The inclusion of the character Nigger in the story was a significant issue. Renaming the character would have destroyed the credibility and historical integrity of the film, making it unacceptable to both those familiar with the original and those less familiar. The removal of the dog's name from his grave in 2020 further emphasizes the ongoing impact of cultural sensitivity norms.

The case of The Dam Busters underscores the influence of modern “cancel culture,” highlighting how historical and cultural sensitivity norms have shifted significantly. The project faced immense pressure to conform to modern standards, ultimately leading to its abandonment.

The changing cultural norms and the increasing importance of cultural sensitivity have made the production and distribution of certain types of historical and artistic films extremely challenging in the current entertainment landscape. As society continues to evolve, the film industry must adapt to maintain its relevance and appeal to a broader audience.

Keywords: modern censorship, cultural sensitivity, historical films, cancel culture, The Birth of a Nation