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Throughout the history of cinema , there have been many fantastic moving-picture show that just could not be made today . Movies always reflect the era in which they were produced , and this is why it ’s not always bonnie to usher out one-time films just because they can not live up to the progressive values of modern times . It ’s important to watch old films with a critical eye and experience that just because something does not live up to the politically correct epoch of today , that does n’t intend it ’s totally without deserving or should becast into reconditeness .
Many ofthe best films ever madehave issues when it comes to their portrayal of sex , politics , or racial topics , and watcher should watch them with the knowledge that as times change , social rule of acceptability are modernise . This is a sign of society moving toward more progressive and forward - believe stand , which spotlight the advances that have been made in terms ofinclusivity and nonage representation . Just becausethese films could n’t be made in the same way today , that does n’t mean viewers ca n’t go back and enjoy them with a critical eye .
10Tropic Thunder (2008)
Robert Downey Jr.’s controversial use of blackface wouldn’t sit right with audiences today
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Written and directed by Ben Stiller , Tropic Thunder follow a radical of stutter actors seek to make a Vietnam War pic , who find themselves dropped into a substantial - life warzone when they are abandoned in the middle of the jungle they are shooting the moving picture in . Stiller also star in the film , with an ensemble cast that include Jack Black , Robert Downey Jr. , and Jay Baruchel .
Ben Stiller ’s satiric military action movieTropic Thunderhas remained one of the great comedy of the 2000s , yet it ’s surd to ideate it being made today . This was down primarily to Robert Downey Jr. ’s character , Kirk Lazarus , utilizing blackface through a controversial " pigmentation alteration " surgery . As a five - time Academy Award achiever , Lazarus ’s utmost method playacting practice session made him a legendary actor in the mankind ofTropic Thunderand was a hilarious jab at genuine - earth thespian who go to extreme duration to trust to their role .
Stiller himself doubtsTropic Thundercould be made today ( viaCollider ) , as he said the current climate means that “ uptight comedy is just harder to do , ” and that even though having Downey play an African American was “ dicey ” back then , he sense they could get aside with it because it was clear who the joke was on . While it would be tough to get away with the liquid body substance inTropic Thundertoday , the sitcomIt ’s Always Sunny in Philadelphiahad a standardised assumption when Rob McElhenney controversially used blackface to play Murtaugh in a fakeLethal Weaponsequel , so it ’s not impossible .
9Blazing Saddles (1974)
The use of racial slurs makes Blazing Saddles uncomfortable in the modern age
Written and directed by Mel Brooks , Blazing Saddles stars Cleavon Little as Bart , a black sheriff constitute in a small frontier Ithiel Town by Hedley Lamarr , a railroad track man who believe Bart ’s appointment will destabilize the townspeople enough to drive everyone out and allow him to build a new railroad track product line through it . Instead , with the help of gun Jim the Waco Kid , Bart work on to thwart Lamarr ’s schemes . Gene Wilder and Harvey Korman ace alongside Little .
Blazing Saddlesis one of the most frequently address examples of movies that could n’t be made today , and that ’s for good reason . While it ’s impossible to traverse the trailblazing nature of this film , which ridiculed racial discrimination and highlighted bias within the Western genre and Hollywood in general , the all-embracing use of slurs makesBlazing Saddlesfeel highly uncomfortable . The language inBlazing Saddleshad a purpose , but if somebody tried to make over this classic in the 21st century , they would have to modernize how they get this message across .
The over - the - top depiction of stereotypes relate to Black characters , Native Americans , and Chinese laborers is also out of step with modern representations and would call for to be a far more nuanced portrait to work today . Blazing Saddleswas a satire purport at the time and place it was produced , so it makes horse sense that standards have change in the years since . With considerations for evolving conversations around takings of wash , for a modern take onBlazing Saddlesto have the same form of cultural impact on the movie manufacture today , it would necessitate to do thing a stack other than .
8Léon: The Professional (1994)
The sexualization of child actor Natalie Portman feels totally out of step with modern times
Directed by Luc Besson , the 1994 thriller Leon : The Professional tells the tale of professional torpedo Leon ( Jean Reno ) , who forms a bond with young young lady Mathilda ( Natalie Portman ) after taking her as a protégée after corrupted DEA agent Norman Stansfield ( Gary Oldman ) kills her family .
WhileLéon : The Professionalwas an acclaimed military action movie that dead capsule writer and manager Luc Besson ’s touch style , the way it depicted Natalie Portman ’s character just feels rather lousy today . Portman was just 12 year old when she played Mathilda Lando inLéon , and its level about her strange relationship with an aged hitman pushed thing into uncomfortable territorial dominion . It ’s hard to abnegate Léon ’s position as a classic thriller , but a film that borders on the exploitation and sexualization of a child actor in this room just could n’t be made today .
Portman herself has evince her “ complicated ” touch towardLéon : The Professional(viaVanity Fair ) and said that even though “ it gave me my calling , ” she tally that it definitely has some “ cringey ” aspects to it . These uncomfortable aspects ofLéonwere reinforced by the fact that Besson ’s then wife was just 16 years one-time while the movie was being take . As an engaging flick that ’s bursting with trend , the divisive nature ofLéon’scontroversial fundamental family relationship mean it ’s unlikely it would be made today .
7The Searchers (1956)
The depiction of Native Americans in The Searchers feels problematic today
The Searchers is a 1956 westerly play starring John Wayne . Wayne stars as Ethan Edwards , who goes searching for his missing niece after his brother ’s family is killed by the Comanche federation of tribes . helm by director John Ford , The Searchers is now considered one of the greatest American Westerns ever made .
While John Ford ’s classic WesternThe Searcherswas an undeniable masterpiece of its music genre , it ’s impossible not to notice its controversial word picture of Native Americans and indigenous acculturation . Although this was one of the first films that attempted to accost the brutality white settlers directed at Indigenous people in America , it was still a merchandise of its prison term and lacked the nuanced depiction of today ’s media . With outdated stereotypes that showcased simplistic barbarity , there are prospect ofThe Searchersthat ca n’t be viewed as anything but downright racialist .
However , it ’s not fair to judgeThe Searchersso harshly , asall Western movies from this clip had problematic racial delineation , and it was only in revisionist Westerns of tardy X that these faulting were more thoroughly explore . Ford even admitted in a 1964 interview ( viaStudlar & Bernstein ) that there was “ deservingness to the charge that the Indian has n’t been portrayed accurately or fairly ” in Western movies from his era . This realization was control in the way his former movie , such asThe Man Who Shot Liberty Valence , take out the myth of the Old West .
Custom image by Yeider Chacon.
6American Beauty (1999)
The central plot about an older man lusting after his teenage daughter’s friend feels inappropriate
American Beauty , discharge in 1999 , is a dramatic play pic direct by Sam Mendes . It follows the life of Lester Burnham , played by Kevin Spacey , a disillusioned suburban Father of the Church undergoing a profound midlife crisis . Annette Bening cobalt - adept as his challenging wife , Carolyn . The motion picture explores stem of peach , desire , and experiential ennui within the confines of American suburb .
American Beautygained general acclaim in 1999 and won five Academy Awards , including Best Picture , Best Director for Sam Mendes , Best Actor for Kevin Spacey , Best Original Screenplay , and Best Cinematography . As a glimpse into the cultural tedium of suburban area at the dawn of the millenary , its provocative , risible , and paying attention geographic expedition of class crisis expunge a chord with viewers at the time . However , change social norm and attitude meanAmerican Beautyjust does n’t hold up in the same way today , particularly in the wake of intimate maltreatment allegation against Spacey .
The primal narration ofAmerican Beautyrevolves around Lester Burnham ( Kevin Spacey ) fantasise about his teenage girl ’s booster , Angela ( Mena Suvari ) . While the picture does criticise this behavior , the literal - worldcharges against Spaceyfor grooming and abusing youthful human cast a non-white shadow over the themes ofAmerican Beauty . It ’s hard to think of another motion picture whose reputation has taken as adult a battering asAmerican Beauty , and while it ’s still a fascinating snapshot into the meter out of which it was produced , its dark association make it a tough rewatch .
Written and directed by Ben Stiller, Tropic Thunder follows a group of bumbling actors attempting to make a Vietnam War film, who find themselves dropped into a real-life warzone when they are abandoned in the middle of the jungle they are shooting the film in. Stiller also stars in the film, with an ensemble cast that includes Jack Black, Robert Downey Jr., and Jay Baruchel.
5The Crying Game (1992)
The depiction of the transgender character is out of step with modern representation standards
The Crying Game is a play - thriller direct by Neil Jordan . The cinema follow Fergus , an Irish Republican Army fellow member , who becomes entwined in a complex family relationship with the girlfriend of a kidnapped British soldier . Starring Stephen Rea , Jaye Davidson , and Forest Whitaker , the narrative explore themes of indistinguishability , loyalty , and translation amidst the backdrop of political convulsion .
Neil Jordan ’s 1992 offense thrillerThe Crying Gamewas a powerful exploration of backwash , sex activity , nationality , and sexuality against the backdrop of the Troubles in Northern Ireland . With Stephen Rea as Fergus , a phallus of the IRA who enters an unexpected romantic human relationship with the devotee of a British soldier , The battle cry Gamewas a bold , twist - filled geographic expedition of marginalized people that questioned the cultural sensitivities of the time . The disgraceful Revelation of Saint John the Divine that Fergus ’s seeming cis - gendered passion interest was actually transgendered was a development that pushed viewing audience out of their comfort zone .
While the purpose ofThe Crying Gamewere admirable , it also reinforced stereotyped depiction of transgender characters , and the twist revelation of their grammatical gender identity could descend across as exploitive . Add to this that the transgender character was portrayed by the cis adult male Jaye Davidson , and it ’s clear this was a film made before those of non - traditional grammatical gender individuality were commonly being cast in major moving picture . WhileThe cry out Gamewas a trailblazing movie for its prison term , a forward-looking remake would need to be a lot more nuanced in its portrait of transgender return .
4Manhattan (1979)
Woody Allen’s character’s relationship with a 17-year-old girl feels problematic today
Manhattan , directed by Woody Allen , is a romantic comedy - drama that explores the complexness of relationships against the backdrop of New York City . star Woody Allen , Diane Keaton , and Mariel Hemingway , the cinema delve into themes of love , infidelity , and the hunt for felicity in urban sprightliness . Shot in ignominious and ashen , it ’s noted for its iconic imagery and a score boast Gershwin ’s medicine .
Along withAnnie Hall , Manhattanbest represents Woody Allen ’s unique signified of witticism , as its exploration of modern romance and urban life made it a classic of its era . However , look back onManhattan , it ’s concentrated not to be struck by its many problematic elements . The most glaring issue when viewed through a contemporary electron lens wasAllen ’s character of Isaac Davis date the 17 - year - old Tracy , bet by Mariel Hemingway in an Academy Award - nominated operation .
WhileManhattandoes address the mightiness imbalance at the core of Isaac and Tracey ’s kinship , it received much more scrutiny in the 2010s following the reincarnate allegations of sexual ravishment against Allen by his adoptive daughter , Dylan Farrow ( viaVanity Fair . ) Although there have always been significant age discrepancies between elder actors paired with much younger actress , it would feel jolt today if this self-aggrandising of a relationship break were depicted in a movie as anything other than problematic and predatory .
3White Chicks (2004)
The gender and racial insensitivity of White Chicks would receive far more criticism today
White Chicks is a comedy film directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans . liberate in 2004 , the narrative stick with FBI agent Kevin and Marcus Copeland , played by Shawn and Marlon Wayans , who go hugger-mugger as snowy women to protect socialite successor from a kidnapping plot . The film notably combines elements of offence probe and humorous identity element swaps , focusing on the agents ' comedic challenges while disguised in their new persona .
While the approximation of white actor using blackface for the purposes of comedy was already considered incredibly problematic in 2004 , the same can not be said for the reverse . This was the integral premise ofWhite Chicks , the crony cop drollery that check Marlon Wayans and Shawn Wayans play FBI agents who go hugger-mugger as ditzy blank cleaning lady to inquire a plot around nobble deep socialites . WhileWhite Chickswas a strike at the box office at the time , it ’s hard to imagine any filmmaker attempting to make this picture today .
Not only does the use of whiteface inWhite Chicksbring up important questions around the appropriateness of this eccentric of racial histrionics , but the Wayans brothers ' crossdressing could also be seen as insensitive toward transgender community . WhileWhite Chickswas a clowning , and it ’s sometimes acceptable to push social boundaries , this movie did not add anything meaningful to the discussion of these issue and lacked the subtlety need to get away with this variety of subversive depiction today .
Written and directed by Mel Brooks, Blazing Saddles stars Cleavon Little as Bart, a black sheriff appointed in a small frontier town by Hedley Lamarr, a railroad man who believes Bart’s appointment will destabilize the town enough to drive everyone out and allow him to build a new railroad line through it. Instead, with the help of gunslinger Jim the Waco Kid, Bart works to thwart Lamarr’s schemes. Gene Wilder and Harvey Korman star alongside Little.
2Mrs. Doubtfire (1994)
Despite its beloved reputation, the story was truly unsettling
star Robin Williams as Daniel Hillard , Mrs. Doubtfire follows a struggling actor going through a divorce who , at the prospect of never being capable to see his nipper again , poses as an elderly British nurse to expend time with him , fooling them and his ex - married woman in the process . As Mrs. Doubtfire becomes more and more of import to the home , Daniel begins to struggle with keeping his mystery , and the toll it continues to have on his relationship with his family outside of the character . Sally Field , Pierce Brosnan , and Harvey Fierstein also star .
On paper , the construct ofMrs . Doubtfirefeels absolutely ridiculous as a divorced father apparel up as an aged housekeeper to infiltrate the lives of his ex-husband - wife and expend time with his children . This almost feel like it could be describing the plot of a horror movie if not for Robin Williams ’s uproarious performance and acute commitment to the role . While one of the biggest reasonsMrs . Doubtfirecouldn’t be made today is becauseWilliams is no longer around to play the part , many other factors mean it just does n’t act when viewed through a New genus Lens .
The central issuance was Williams ' crossdressing as Mrs. Doubtfire , which brings up issues around grammatical gender identicalness and whether it ’s appropriate to impersonate women for the interest of comedy . Mrs. Doubtfirealso handle divorce in a manner that palpate wholly tough as Williams manipulate the situation for his own gain and even gaslit his married woman and child into believing he truly was an elderly nanny . AlthoughMrs . Doubtfirestill boasts plenty of laughs today , a remaking would have to take into account the current discussion around gender identity to truly work .
1Gone With The Wind (1939)
The portrayal of slavery, racism, and the Civil War feels totally dated
Based on Margaret Mitchell ’s classic novel , Gone With the Wind keep an eye on Scarlett O’Hara , the girl of a plantation owner in the American South during the Civil War . Through the severeness of the war and the Reconstruction Era , Scarlett ’s intense romantic life is document , particularly her relationship with two dissimilar man Ashley Wilkes and Rhett Butler . Vivien Leigh stars as Scarlett , with Clark Gable as Rhett .
The larger-than-life romanceGone with the Windwas one of the most successful movies of all prison term and has bring in a place in popular refinement as a true classic . However , look back on it today , it ’s shocking howGone with the Windglorified slavery and the Lost Cause of the Confederacy myth . While it ’s still potential to praiseGone with the Windfor its technical achievements and knock-down storytelling , it truly was a merchandise of its sentence , and there ’s no agency a picture show with this kind of stand would be released today .
WhileGone with the Windwas far-famed for its problematic picture of raceway , it also led to the first Academy Award win for an African American , asHattie McDaniel earned the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her function as Mammy . This juxtaposition between subject and result madeGone with the Winda fascinating document of its time . WhileGone with the Windstill holds an important place in popular civilisation , it ’s far from politically correct when watch through a modern crystalline lens .
Directed by Luc Besson, the 1994 thriller Leon: The Professional tells the story of professional hitman Leon (Jean Reno), who forms a bond with young girl Mathilda (Natalie Portman) after taking her as a protégée after corrupt DEA agent Norman Stansfield (Gary Oldman) kills her family.
informant : Collider , Vanity Fair , Studlar & Bernstein , Vanity Fair
The Searchers is a 1956 Western drama starring John Wayne. Wayne stars as Ethan Edwards, who goes searching for his missing niece after his brother’s family is killed by the Comanche tribe. Helmed by director John Ford, The Searchers is now considered one of the greatest American Westerns ever made.
American Beauty, released in 1999, is a drama film directed by Sam Mendes. It follows the life of Lester Burnham, played by Kevin Spacey, a disillusioned suburban father undergoing a profound midlife crisis. Annette Bening co-stars as his ambitious wife, Carolyn. The film explores themes of beauty, desire, and existential ennui within the confines of American suburbia.
The Crying Game is a drama-thriller directed by Neil Jordan. The film follows Fergus, an Irish Republican Army member, who becomes entwined in a complex relationship with the girlfriend of a kidnapped British soldier. Starring Stephen Rea, Jaye Davidson, and Forest Whitaker, the narrative explores themes of identity, loyalty, and transformation amidst the backdrop of political turmoil.
Manhattan, directed by Woody Allen, is a romantic comedy-drama that explores the complexities of relationships against the backdrop of New York City. Starring Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, and Mariel Hemingway, the film delves into themes of love, infidelity, and the search for happiness in urban life. Shot in black and white, it’s noted for its iconic imagery and a score featuring Gershwin’s music.
White Chicks is a comedy film directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans. Released in 2004, the story follows FBI agents Kevin and Marcus Copeland, played by Shawn and Marlon Wayans, who go undercover as white women to protect socialite heirs from a kidnapping plot. The film notably combines elements of crime investigation and humorous identity swaps, focusing on the agents' comedic challenges while disguised in their new roles.
Starring Robin Williams as Daniel Hillard, Mrs. Doubtfire follows a struggling actor going through a divorce who, at the prospect of never being able to see his children again, poses as an elderly British nanny in order to spend time with him, fooling them and his ex-wife in the process. As Mrs. Doubtfire becomes more and more important to the family, Daniel begins to struggle with keeping his secret, and the toll it continues to have on his relationship with his family outside of the character. Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan, and Harvey Fierstein also star.
Based on Margaret Mitchell’s classic novel, Gone With the Wind follows Scarlett O’Hara, the daughter of a plantation owner in the American South during the Civil War. Through the hardships of the war and the Reconstruction Era, Scarlett’s intense romantic life is documented, particularly her relationship with two different men Ashley Wilkes and Rhett Butler. Vivien Leigh stars as Scarlett, with Clark Gable as Rhett.
