Dirty Pictures (2000)

Dirty Pictures (2000)
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Much attention was given to the Robert Mapplethorpe photographs that became the center of controversy when they were exhibited at the Cincinnati Contemporary Arts Center in 1990, but less was known about Dennis Barrie, the museum director responsible for the exhibit. Barrie's obscenity trial and condemnation by right-wing conservatives are the focus of this Showtime telepic. Played by James Woods, Barrie is shown standing up for his museum's right to display controversial art and coping with the toxic windfall that surrounded his actions. Diana Scarwid gives plenty of support as Dianne, Barrie's wife, and interviews with personalities ranging from Susan Sarandon to Salman Rushdie are interspersed with the film's narrative. Thanks to the cooperation of the Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation, a number of the actual photographs that were at the heart of the controversy were used in the production. ~ Rebecca Flint Marx, Rovi

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Starring:
James WoodsCraig T. Nelson, (more)
Director(s):
Frank Pierson
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of Dirty Pictures

Much attention was given to the Robert Mapplethorpe photographs that became the center of controversy when they were exhibited at the Cincinnati Contemporary Arts Center in 1990, but less was known about Dennis Barrie, the museum director responsible for the exhibit. Barrie's obscenity trial and condemnation by right-wing conservatives are the focus of this Showtime telepic. Played by James Woods, Barrie is shown standing up for his museum's right to display controversial art and coping with the toxic windfall that surrounded his actions. Diana Scarwid gives plenty of support as Dianne, Barrie's wife, and interviews with personalities ranging from Susan Sarandon to Salman Rushdie are interspersed with the film's narrative. Thanks to the cooperation of the Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation, a number of the actual photographs that were at the heart of the controversy were used in the production. ~ Rebecca Flint Marx, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
104 mins

Complete Cast of Dirty Pictures


Director(s):
Frank Pierson
Producer(s):
Michael Manheim
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R(Adult Situations, Questionable for Children)
Dirty Pictures Awards:
  • 2000 - Golden Globe - Best Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television
  • 2000 - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television
Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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    Member Reviews
     
    Kristen C.

    I actually thought that this film gave the audience ample opportunity to decide the rights and wrongs of the issue for itself. The whole film asks, almost demands each viewer to be the jury that decided the controversy. The only thing that bothered me was that the film seemed caught halfway between a documentary and a drama. I also wanted to see the artist portrayed at some point in the movie, but he is left out completely. Instead, the film focuses on the museum director that was put on trial for showing the artist's work. Nevertheless, the film was very interesting and thought-provoking, and I recommend it for anyone interested in the issue of artistic censorship.

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    W.R. G.

    I remember the controversy "back when" and this film reminded of 'many' of the details of the circumstances, but I was disappointed that the film didn't get into enough of the nitty gritty of the details (I don't necessarily mean more dirty pictures!). I always like James Woods' acting jobs, but he wasn't given enough material to truly excel in this movie. Nevertheless, I would recommend this movie to 1st Amendment believers and just "freedom of speech" lovers in general. Good movie!

    Yes   |   No

     
    Rachel N.

    It makes me really sad that there was even a QUESTION that these "pictures" would even be CONSIDERED as art!! It is glorified pornagraphy and in every way shape and form!! If someone wants to make those pictures that is there right, I suppose, although NOT CHILDREN, NOT IN PUBLIC AND ESPCIALLY NOT WITH MY TAX DOLLARS!! The are director was not the only person that should have been on trial. I do like the way they made the movie with the history of the real trial mixed in. The way this movie was made reminded me of the way they filmed "Bobby" which I enjoyed very much.

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