BDSM has made some seriously memorable appearances in popular media over the years. Check out our list of 5 mainstream moments that captured audiences’ attention.
From the Kama Sutra to Roman frescoes, popular art has always reflected the sexual preferences of those consuming it. And for as long as people have been practicing BDSM (hint: it’s a long
9 ½ Weeks (1986)
Audiences in 1986 were shocked at this erotic drama film starring Kim Basinger and Mickey Rourke as a Wall Street arbitrageur and an art gallery employee who engage in a romantic relationship with strong BDSM elements. While reviews were mixed and the film underperformed at the box office upon initial release, the chemistry between Basinger and Rourke kept viewers rewinding their VCRs, and it’s since gone on to develop a cult following.
'Sex' and 'Erotica' (1992)
Before mainstream music had Lady GaGa, it had Madonna, whose frankness about her sexuality and bondage-inspired wardrobe introduced audiences worldwide to a new kind of eroticism, noted an article published in February 2015 in FashionEroticaSexEroticaSexNew York Times
Secretary (2002)
This 2002 film, starring Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Spader, explores the relationship between a young woman hired as a secretary and her employer, a wealthy attorney with a penchant for domination. Roger Ebert gave the film 3 stars, noting it “avoid[ed] the dangers of making [BDSM] either too offensive, or too funny.” A more lighthearted take than, for example, 9 ½ WeeksSecretary
Wednesday, April 29, 2020