Taxi Driver, Irreversible, Pulp Fiction & More: Five Most Controversial Films In The History Of Cannes

Cannes 2023: Cannes is the most opulent and pompous film event in the movie calendar across the globe. The event boasts of advocating artistic freedom by showcasing films pushing contemporary cinema's boundaries.

The films selected for the premiere are sometimes thought-provoking and challenging in their subject, matter, or style, which often lead to controversy and debate. The unfavorable films premiered at the event often face booing as well as hilariously long-standing ovations.

In the seven decades of Cannes, the film festival has more often sparked debates as the audience, and the critics, are known for being vocal and opinionated, who are not afraid to express their displeasure with a film or a filmmaker if they feel that their expectations have not been met.

So, as we highly anticipate the festival's return, let's look back at five of the most controversial films in Cannes history that stirred up drama.

Taxi Driver- the 1976 film, directed by Martin Scorsese starred Robert De Niro. The dark and violent film about a mentally unstable taxi driver in New York City caused a stir at the international film festival for its graphic violence and portrayal of mental illness. The audience and the critics questioned the role of violence in cinema.

Pulp Fiction- The 1994 American film directed by Quentin Tarantino starring John Travolta, Uma Thurman, and Samuel L. Jackson won the festival's top honor, Palme d'Or. The film received a 15-minute standing ovation; however, it caused a stir due to its graphic violence, drug use, and unconventional storytelling.

Irreversible- The 2002 French film directed by Gaspar Noé starred Monica Bellucci, Vincent Cassel, and Albert Dupontel. The film generated significant controversy and debate at the film festival for its graphic and brutal depiction of rape and violence. It sparked massive outrage and protest at Cannes and over 200 audience had walked out in protest. There were several others who reportedly fainted or became physically ill.

Antichrist- The 2009 Danish film directed by Lars von Trier starred Willem Dafoe and Charlotte Gainsbourg. The film garnered protest for its graphic and disturbing depiction of sexual violence, self-mutilation, and torture. While some audience members walked out in protest during the film's premiere, others booed and jeered at the film.

Blue is the warmest color- The 2013 French film on lesbian relationships directed by Abdellatif Kechiche starred Adèle Exarchopoulos and Léa Seydoux. The film received Cannes' top honor, the Palme d'Or, however, it was mired in controversy for its explicit sex scenes.