Sickies Making Films

Sickies Making Films is a fascinating ensemble documentary that was released in 2018, exploring the history and effects of censorship in the American film industry. Directed by Joe Tropea, the film boasts appearances by cinematic icons such as John Waters and Howard Denis.

The development of the American film industry is charted through the documentary. Sickies Making Films gives insight into how film censorship formed the modern cinematic landscape, offering an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of the topic. The film combines archival footage, interviews, and expressive reconstructions to delve into the history of the film industry’s struggles and breakthroughs. The title borrows its name from John Waters’ description of film critics and censors, adding a cheeky and satirical tone to this educative motion picture.

John Waters, a revered cult filmmaker best known for works like 'Hairspray' and 'Pink Flamingos,' serves as a central figure within the documentary. His unique perspective on film and its relationship to the controversy is a driving force behind much of the narrative. He offers deep insights on the experiences of filmmakers clashing with the perceived moral compass of the viewing audience, providing a personal touch to the film's broader objective.

Participants such as Howard Denis, a former Maryland state senator who fought against film censorship, and Ross Freedman, a lawyer who has defended controversial films, share their rich insights into the challenging fight against censorship, adding unique angles to the complex debate.

Setting out by examining the Motion Picture Production Code or the Hays Code, an early set of rigid moral guidelines determining what was acceptable for public viewing, Sickies Making Films provides some pertinent historical context. The documentary probes the power that these early self-imposed strictures had on film content and creativity, highlighting how they inextricably shaped both the form and content of American cinema.

Drawing attention to the formation of the American censor boards and its practices, the documentary focuses intensely on the Maryland Board of Censors, the longest-running censor board in America. By examining multiple incidents involving this censor board and their attempts to restrict the creative expression of filmmakers, the film illustrates the impact that such interference has had on arthouse cinema, exploitation flicks, and mainstream blockbusters alike.

The film takes the viewers on a journey, revealing how the industry evolved from a time when movies were considered cheap, unsophisticated amusement to the present age when movies are regarded as significant forums for artistic expression and cultural dialogue.

The documentary also includes clips from various films that were targeted for different reasons, such as excessive violence, explicit sexuality, political dissent, or religious insensitivity. It challenges the viewers to question the lines drawn by censor boards and invites them to reflect on their own perceptions of what's deemed inappropriate in films.

Sickies Making Films is characterized by moments of dark humor, matched with an educational narrative that follows the evolution of censorship and film. Across its 84-minute run-time, the film effectively offers an unabashed account of how filmmakers have continuously challenged societal norms and stigmas, how censorship boards have responded to these challenges — and how these encounters have shaped the film industry into what it is today.

Moreover, Joe Tropea brings to light the intricate relationship between filmmakers and censors, creating a captivating dynamic full of tensions and breakthroughs that have continuously pushed the boundaries of art and societal norms over more than a century.

Sickies Making Films does an incredible job of shedding light on a topic many viewers may not have considered before watching. Perfect for film buffs, historians, and advocates of free speech alike, this documentary leaves its audience with a richer understanding of the ongoing battle between artistic expression and societal opinion in shaping our collective narrative and identity.

In summary, Sickies Making Films is a thought-provoking, enlightening documentary that presents a compelling exploration of film censorship, the power of cinematic storytelling, and the enduring struggle for artistic freedom within America's vibrant and ever-evolving film industry.