Visual Studies 401: Films You Can't Unsee

Futzing around on Facebook last night, I had an idea—which turned into a very interesting thread—about teaching a class on “films that can’t be unseen.” My suggestions were Requiem for a Dream, Happiness and Aguirre, the Wrath of God, but a number of horrifying suggestions followed, including: Dead Ringers, Oldboy, Irreversible, Dancer in the Dark, Blue Velvet, and Gummo, among others.

Obviously, this is a terrible idea for a class—or a fine way to find myself fired—but those of us not disturbed enough by the prospect of a Romney presidency need something to foreclose the possibility of ever sleeping again. So I wonder what would find its way onto your syllabus, were you to teach this course?

[Comments piling up at LGM.]

Comments

[john Washburn]

For me it was "The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane"
with Jodie Foster and Martin Sheen. The final scene with Martin Sheen commenting on the almond flavor tea leaves left me with the horrible realization that feeding him almond flavored tea could well be within my moral range. Afer all I was certainly understanding of tea brewing.

It also was a disquieting scene with Sheen at the end of the film because it makes you wonder about her story regarding her father.

[jake the snake]

No one else has mentioned Cries and Whispers. I will never forget the scene of the woman slashing her genitals with a broken wine glass rather than having sex with her
husband.