From Stag Film to Hard Core.
Seeing Sex: Occasional observations regarding the representation of sex, sexuality and gender in film …
Probably the most significant developments in the evolution from stag to hard-core film relate to the move to full-length, feature complete with colour, sound and cohesive narrative along with the shift to an ending that enabled the audience to ‘withdraw satisfied’.
The hard-core form became more sophisticated as the technological and philosophical move from the primitive suggests and the audience new included women and showings were both public (cinemas) and private (video booths and private homes).
Hard core narrative involved many-layered dramas of arousal and climax and, while the emphasis was firmly on the penis, the opportunity was there for the male viewer to project his female elements into the action.
The intent moved also – from arousal to climax – proof that not only penetration had taken place but also satisfaction. This was achieved by showing ejaculation outside the body. The ‘money shot’ replaced the ‘meat shot’ as the climactic moment in the film.
Stylistically, the form developed also – from direct address to camera to action between the performers.
Decensorship in the United States following the passing of the Comstock law saw a freer and more open discussion of sex and sexuality. The ‘official invisibility’ that had allowed the stag film to remain as it had always been no longer applied and the ‘need’ for ‘smokers’ as a means of sexual initiation and instruction became redundant in the new social environment.
dykiegirl 