Why Be Good? (2008)

Documentary examines early Hollywood sexual mores in light of their relationship to the broader American sexual culture. Film focuses mostly on a series of early sex symbols (like Clara Bow, Louise Brooks, and Joan Crawford) as well as the development of film censorship. Film more documentary then analysis but has a few interesting things to say, such as the contention that an American public just exiting the Victorian age felt a psychological need to have cinematic depictions of sexuality come from a mythic ‘outside’ in order to enjoy them. Thusly early sex symbols were often foreigners, Garbo, Valintino, and sensuality was often depicted on screen in an exotic or fantasy context. Not an exceptional presentation but fairly interesting none-the-less. grade: C

Note: Documentarys title comes from (besides the obvious) a 1929 film starting Colleen Moore.