MovieChat Forums > Crimes of Passion (1984) Discussion > the most disturbing scene in the film

the most disturbing scene in the film

posted 17 years ago by zooeyhall
7 replies | jump to latest

There is a scene in the movie where an older woman hires China Blue as a companion for her teminally ill husband. I think this is one of the most disturbing scenes in the movie, or in any movie in my opinion.

The scene is not violent, and is not even erotic. But if you watch this movie and don't care for the story in general I think that most people will come away from the film with this scene in their memories.

It must have been really tough for the actors to do. Can someone give me any info on who played the terminally ill husband in this scene?

I was wondering if other readers in the discussion group for this movie felt the same way, and why they might agree with me.

I watched this movie back in '84, and while it wasn't on my list of "very best" films, there was something about it that stayed in my memory all these years; and that finally compelled me to buy the "uncensored" dvd that has been issued. Seeing this scene on the DVD made me realize why the movie has stuck with me all these years.

Also--I think that Annie Potts has been seriously underrated as an actress. She is TERRIFIC in this film!

[–] WarpedRecord 16 years ago

I agree that the scene with the woman with the terminally ill husband was the most disturbing scene in a film with plenty of competition for that distinction. I'm not sure why it was so disturbing -- perhaps because it was very sensitive and real, as opposed to being over the top like most scenes here.

For some reason, that scene reminded me of "Breaking the Waves," though that film was about a disabled man who convinces his wife to degrade herself sexually.

I also agree that Annie Potts is underrated as an actress. I was never a fan of "Designing Women," but she was terrific here in a difficult role.

[–] arthurdamage1 16 years ago

I think that the scene with the "ol' HP" was more diturbing.

[–] arthurdamage1 16 years ago

Um...that should have read "I think that the scene with the "ol' HP" was more diSturbing."

[–] SpikeHat 15 years ago

I am a fan of this twisted film; I agree that the old man scene stands out as poignant. My most disturbing scene was edited when I first viewed it... but later I noticed that when she handcuffed that guy in bed, she uh, inserts the billy club. Dang, she knows how to party!
I recommend Ken's other films "Tommy" "Lisztomania" and "Altered States" as well.

[–] cookiela2001 14 years ago

I don't find that scene disturbing.

I read a biography by a longtime prostitute...maybe it was called Working (?) Anyway, her attitude was that she felt she did a valuable service. She thought that just because someone may be unattractive, or socially inept, or older than most people would find appealing, that that didn't mean they should have to live without a sex life. She was there to do a professional service she thought actually made people happy.

The scene that creeps me out is the one with the cop. Not because of the rough sex...but because his wrists are bleeding. Once you start drawing blood, you've kind of gone too far, in my book. Plus, when he becomes contemptuous and spits in her face afterwards, it shows her clients can be screwed up. The idea of being naked and vulnerable with someone who's going to turn on you is scary.

[–] preppy-3 14 years ago

The scene with the cop disturbed me too. It was considered so extreme that it was cut to get the film an R rating! The blood didn't bother me. However what she was doing with the nightsticks shocked me! I give Turner and the actor playing the cop credit for doing that scene. It couldn't have been easy for either of them.

[–] savagesteve13 10 years ago

The most disturbing scene is where the Reverend suddenly breaks into song while on the piano and they focus on his sweaty face.