Ep 6. Sex & Melodrama

The Story of Film: An Odyssey season 1 episode 6 is titled "Sex & Melodrama" and focuses on the history and evolution of melodrama in cinema, how it has been used to explore themes of sex and sexuality, and how it has been influenced by social and cultural changes over time.

The episode begins by exploring the origins of melodrama in the 19th century theater, where it was a popular form of entertainment among the working class. It then moves into the early days of cinema, where melodrama was one of the most popular genres, and played a key role in the development of film language.

The episode features numerous clips from classic melodramas, including The Birth of a Nation, Gone with the Wind, and Douglas Sirk's films. These clips are accompanied by commentary from filmmakers and academics, who analyze the cinematic techniques used in these films to create emotional impact.

The episode also explores the ways in which melodrama has been used to explore themes of sex and sexuality. It examines the ways in which the Hollywood Production Code, which governed the content of films from the 1930s to the 1960s, limited the amount of sexual content that could be depicted on screen.

Despite these limitations, filmmakers found ways to use melodrama to explore these themes in a subtle and nuanced way. The episode features interviews with filmmakers such as Todd Haynes and Ang Lee, who discuss their use of melodrama to explore queer sexuality in films such as Far From Heaven and Brokeback Mountain.

The episode also looks at the ways in which melodrama has been influenced by social and cultural changes over time. It examines the rise of the women's movement in the 1960s and 70s, which led to the emergence of films such as An Unmarried Woman and Kramer vs. Kramer, which explored the changing dynamics of relationships and family life.

The episode also looks at the ways in which melodrama has been used to explore issues of race and ethnicity. It features clips from films such as Imitation of Life and its remake, which use melodrama to explore the complex relationships between black and white women.

Throughout the episode, the filmmakers and academics interviewed reflect on the enduring popularity of melodrama, and the ways in which it continues to be used to explore complex emotional and social issues.

Overall, "Sex & Melodrama" is a fascinating exploration of the history and evolution of one of cinema's most enduring genres. It sheds light on the ways in which melodrama has been used to explore themes of sex and sexuality, and how it has been influenced by social and cultural changes over time. As always, Mark Cousins' insightful commentary and the use of numerous film clips make for a compelling and informative viewing experience.