This is the 800th title I’ve watched as part of this project I started in 2020; I’d have watched more but I took 2023 off. Still, I wanted to note the progress with something special and this is what I chose and why.
2024 Entry #021 01-16-24 “Fireworks” is a 20 minute 1947 homoerotic experimental short by gay filmmaker Kenneth Anger, who also stars, in what is reportedly the first known gay narrative film in the United States. While quite tame by today’s standards, it was quite daring for the time, featuring themes of homosexuality and sadomasochism. The film was perceived by some as obscene and a screening of the film led to a case that made it all the way to the California Supreme Court, which ruled that homosexuality was a valid subject of artistic expression and that overt reference to it could not be considered obscenity. This ruling became a landmark decision for freedom of speech in the United States.
So, a very important little film which expresses a lot while saying very little. Indeed, most of the film is silent. The film contains no nudity but when the film was attacked, the prosecution persistently referred to “the penis scene”, which famously features a sailor unbuttoning the crotch of his pants to reveal a Roman candle, which shoots sparks into the air. I’d heard much about this title over the years as it is mentioned in several documentaries that I’ve enjoyed, but before today I’d never had access to it. It is fascinating that this seemingly harmless footage was once cause for such alarm. I honestly didn’t think much of it on its own, but its historical significance can’t be underestimated and thus, I’m extremely grateful the film was made.