this one was a shocker

Flaming Creatures, more so than any other film we have watched so far, deeply disturbed me. Sure, it is incredible to learn that our class watched a film which, mere decades ago, we would never have been able to watch legally; we have somewhat become a part of the timeline and history of the film. Even after having discussed the film in class, I still have trouble believing that not only did Jack Smith and his friends create this work for laughs, but that I was able to sit through the entire screening without having to excuse myself. The majority of the scenes was so graphic and portrayed such unnormal behavior that, at times, the action seemed paradoxically real. Watching the “gang rape” scene and listening to the horrific screams coming from the women made me feel extremely uncomfortable. However, I think that my revulsion was not exactly a response to the excessive nudity in the film, but rather due to the idea that human beings, my fellow “creatures” of this Earth, could commit such vile and heinous acts against one another, without any hesitation. The offenders seemed unable to empathize with their victims, even though, in a way, they were trying to adopt aspects of their victims’ sexual identity. I fail to understand how this film, in any way, shape, or form, glorifies sexuality.