Hotbeds of Licentiousness: The British Glamour Film and the Permissive Society

Hotbeds of Licentiousness explores British pornography on film in the 1970s, linking it to lifestyle aspirations and societal changes, offering a critical perspective on cultural and social history.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 02 August 2024
Publisher: Berghahn Books

Hotbeds of Licentiousness: A Critical Exploration of British Pornography on Film in the 1970s
Hotbeds of Licentiousness is a groundbreaking critical engagement with British pornography on film during the 1970s, encompassing the "Summer of Love," the Permissive Society's rise and fall, Margaret Thatcher's arrival, and beyond. Author Benjamin Halligan delves into the work of a series of colorful filmmakers whose work, while omnipresent during the decade, has since been critically ignored. Through this lens, pornography is explored as a vital optic for understanding recent cultural and social history.

The 1970s were a period of significant social and cultural change in Britain, marked by the emergence of the Permissive Society, the rise of Margaret Thatcher's conservative government, and the cultural revolution of the "Summer of Love." Pornography played a significant role in this period, reflecting the changing attitudes and values of British society. Halligan's book examines the work of filmmakers such as Ken Russell, Derek Jarman, and Paul Verhoeven, who used pornography as a means of exploring themes of sexuality, power, and identity.

One of the key themes of Hotbeds of Licentiousness is the way in which pornography was used to challenge traditional gender roles and sexual norms. Filmmakers such as Russell and Jarman used explicit imagery to depict women as powerful and independent, while Verhoeven's films explored the darker side of sexuality, including rape and violence. These films challenged the notion that pornography was solely for the pleasure of men and highlighted the importance of consent and respect in sexual relationships.

However, the 1970s also saw the emergence of a more conservative backlash against pornography. The Permissive Society was criticized for its promotion of sexual freedom and its perceived negative impact on society. This backlash led to the introduction of censorship laws and the closure of many pornographic theaters. Halligan argues that these laws were ineffective and that they only served to reinforce the stigma associated with pornography.

Despite the challenges faced by pornography in the 1970s, it continued to thrive. Filmmakers such as Russell and Jarman continued to produce groundbreaking work, while new filmmakers emerged, such as Michael Powell and David Lynch. These filmmakers used pornography as a means of exploring complex themes and emotions, and their work has since been recognized as some of the most important in the history of cinema.

Hotbeds of Licentiousness also explores the impact of pornography on British society. Halligan argues that pornography has had a significant impact on the way that people view sexuality and relationships. Pornography has been used to promote unrealistic expectations and to normalize sexual violence. It has also been used to promote gender inequality and to reinforce the idea that women are only valuable for their sexual appeal.

In response to these challenges, there has been a growing movement to promote pornography as a form of art. This movement has been led by filmmakers, activists, and academics who argue that pornography can be a powerful tool for social change. These filmmakers have produced films that explore the complexities of sexuality and relationships, and that challenge the dominant narratives that are often associated with pornography.

One of the most notable examples of this movement is the work of the feminist pornographer and activist Andrea Dworkin. Dworkin's work has been critical of the way that pornography is used to promote sexual violence and to reinforce gender inequality. She has argued that pornography should be banned and that it should be replaced with a more positive and inclusive form of sexuality.

However, there has also been a backlash against the feminist porn movement. Some critics argue that pornography is inherently harmful and that it should be banned. They argue that pornography promotes sexual violence and that it can be addictive.

Despite these challenges, there is still a growing movement to promote pornography as a form of art. This movement has been led by filmmakers, activists, and academics who argue that pornography can be a powerful tool for social change. These filmmakers have produced films that explore the complexities of sexuality and relationships, and that challenge the dominant narratives that are often associated with pornography.

In conclusion, Hotbeds of Licentiousness is a groundbreaking critical engagement with British pornography on film during the 1970s. Author Benjamin Halligan explores the work of a series of colorful filmmakers whose work, while omnipresent during the decade, has since been critically ignored. Through this lens, pornography is explored as a vital optic for understanding recent cultural and social history. While the 1970s saw the emergence of a more conservative backlash against pornography, it continued to thrive and has had a significant impact on the way that people view sexuality and relationships. Despite the challenges faced by pornography, there is still a growing movement to promote pornography as a form of art. This movement has been led by filmmakers, activists, and academics who argue that pornography can be a powerful tool for social change.

ISBN-13: 9781805393450