As James navigates his way through a series of intense and often disturbing encounters, the film descends into a world of taboo-breaking themes, including infidelity, incest, and fetishism. Through James's journey, the film's writer and director, Christopher Loomis, aimed to push the boundaries of conventional storytelling, exploring the darker aspects of human nature.
: Kay Parker’s performance is frequently highlighted as the film's centerpiece, contributing to its status as a "classic" within its niche.
(1980)
For years, Taboo was available on home video through various labels, often on poorly transferred DVDs and VHS tapes. This changed in 2016 when the boutique label Vinegar Syndrome, known for preserving and restoring cult and exploitation films, released a definitive Blu-ray edition.
Taboo received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising its thoughtful exploration of social class and family dynamics, while others found it slow-paced and overly introspective. Despite this, the film has developed a loyal following over the years and is remembered as a nuanced and thought-provoking drama of its time.
Unlike many contemporary adult films, Taboo was shot on 35mm film with a focus on dramatic storytelling and character development. Legacy and Cultural Impact
To understand the impact of Taboo , one must first understand the era in which it was birthed: The Golden Age of Porn (approximately 1969 to 1984). This was a unique period where pornographic films, often referred to as "porno chic," were not hidden in back-alley booths. Instead, they were screened in mainstream movie theaters, reviewed by major critics like Roger Ebert, and attended by sophisticated, suit-and-tie crowds. Films like Deep Throat (1972) and The Devil in Miss Jones (1973) had proven that adult films could have plots, character development, and high production values.
"The Blue Lagoon" of 1980, while perhaps not titled "Movie Taboo 1980," indeed stands as a testament to the power of cinema to provoke, inspire, and challenge societal norms. Its legacy, both in terms of its cinematic achievements and its place in cultural discourse, continues to be felt. For audiences and scholars alike, it remains a fascinating case study of the intersections between film, society, and the ongoing conversation about what is considered acceptable on screen.
The story follows (portrayed by Kay Parker ), a middle-aged woman struggling with isolation and sexual frustration after her husband leaves her. Left to care for her teenage son, Paul (Mike Ranger), Barbara finds herself increasingly rejected by society and potential employers.
When we search for we are time travelers. We are looking for the moment when cinema hurt itself to feel alive. Today, the MPAA is more lenient on violence but stricter on sexuality; the inverse of 1980. Back then, a nipple was fine, but a nail gun to the head was war.
