The film launched a series that lasted until 2007, encompassing 23 installments that eventually moved beyond the original incest theme to explore other controversial subjects like BDSM and LGBTQ+ relationships.
More significantly, it pushed the boundaries of what adult films could explore emotionally. Directors like Andrew Blake and later Paul Thomas cited Taboo as proof that porn could be “dark drama.” Even mainstream critics like Roger Ebert (who reviewed it in his “Questions for the Movie Answer Man” column) acknowledged it as “well-made for its genre, but morally troubling.” taboo 1 1980
The story revolves around Richard (Harvey Keitel), a young and wealthy playboy who becomes infatuated with Mary (Diane Lane), the beautiful and enigmatic wife of his friend, Matthew (Christopher Walken). As Richard's obsession grows, he begins an intense and all-consuming affair with Mary, which ultimately leads to a tragic confrontation with Matthew. The film launched a series that lasted until
The film utilized professional lighting and film stock that rivaled independent B-movies of the era. As Richard's obsession grows, he begins an intense