Is Why Be Good?: Sexuality & Censorship in Early Cinema Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2007)

📖 The Core Premise

Why Be Good?: Sexuality & Censorship in Early Cinema returns to the screen in 2007, bringing a fresh narrative to the Documentary genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Before the G, PG and R ratings system there was the Production Code, and before that there was, well, nothing. This eye-opening documentary examines the rampant sexuality of early Hollywood through movie clips and reminiscences by stars of the era. Gloria Swanson, Mary Pickford, Marlene Dietrich and others relate tales of the artistic freedom that led to the draconian Production Code, which governed content from 1934 to 1968. Diane Lane narrates."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In Why Be Good?: Sexuality & Censorship in Early Cinema, even the presence of Diane Lane struggles to save a script that feels disjointed. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Documentary. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Why Be Good?: Sexuality & Censorship in Early Cinema worth your time? If you appreciate Documentary films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Why Be Good?: Sexuality & Censorship in Early Cinema misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 70 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.