ANY FILM THAT DOESN’T SHOCK IS NOT WORTH LOOKING AT A FEW WORDS ABOUT CINEMA OF TRANSGRESSION

Aleksandra GIERA-PANDER¹

Human Life – Transformations of Culture

Publication language: Polish

Journal article

Transformations No. 3-4 (70-71) 2011,  Publication date: 17 October 2011

Article No. 20111017160326802

Abstract The Cinema of Transgression is a term coined by Nick Zedd to describe a New York City based underground film movement consisting of a loose-knit group of like-minded artists using shock value and breaking taboo in their work. Zedd proclaimed The Cinema of Transgression Manifesto in “The Underground Film Bulletin” in 1985. Key players in this movement were Nick Zedd, Richard Kern, David Wojnarowicz, Tessa Hughens-Freeland, Cassandra Stark, Beth B, Kembra Pfahler and Lydia Lunch. The Cinema of Transgression films are obscene in the most literal sense of the word. They are also difficult to watch. Explicit sex and simulated violence are in many of the films. Though the movement was ending in 1994, all the artists are still working as photographers, journalists, performers and film directors. Their projects are still typically provocative and controversial.

1. Instytut Nauk o Kulturze Uniwersytetu Śląskiego w Katowicach

   E-mail: ola.giera@op.pl

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