The word 'taboo' itself carries a certain weight, doesn't it? It conjures up images of the forbidden, the unspoken, the things we're not supposed to talk about. When we look at a film series that carries this name, like the various 'Taboo' productions, it's natural to expect explorations of those very boundaries.
Take, for instance, the 2001 American film Taboo 2001 (also known as Taboo 2001: Sex Odyssey). Directed and written by James Avalon, this sci-fi fantasy adult film plunges us into a future where sexual thought is outlawed. The narrative follows a female protagonist who shifts from being a protector against desire to succumbing to her own darker urges. It’s a story that blends science fiction, fantasy, and romance, aiming to depict the struggles of humanity within an anti-utopian society. The visual style, crafted by the costume and art departments, was noted for its distinctiveness, and the film garnered a rating of 6.4 on some platforms. It's interesting how a film set in a future devoid of sexual expression can delve so deeply into the very nature of desire.
Then there's Taboo 2, also from 2001, again helmed by James Avalon. This one is described as the 20th installment in the 'Taboo' series, and it takes a decidedly sci-fi turn. Set in 2062, it paints a picture of a dystopian society where sexual activity is prohibited and policed by thought police. The plot centers on a top agent, Nicole Sheridan, tasked with infiltrating an underground virtual reality sex club to apprehend a figure known as Madame Fetish. What's compelling here is Sheridan's journey from an observer to an active participant, drawn into the very world she was meant to dismantle. Avalon’s approach here, moving away from earlier themes and incorporating special effects, aimed for a more futuristic, visually driven narrative. It’s a fascinating concept – a society so controlled that the only escape is a simulated, forbidden reality.
Looking back further, we find Taboo II from 1982, directed by Kirdy Stevens and written by Helene Terrie. This film, the second in its own iteration of the 'Taboo' series, delves into more traditional, albeit still sensitive, familial dynamics. It follows Barbara Scott, a woman abandoned by her husband, and her complex emotional entanglement with her son. The narrative explores the emergence of sexual fantasies within the family, involving the son's feelings towards his sister and mother, and the mother's sister's own complicated desires. This film, like others in the series, seems to engage with the idea of exploring the boundaries of human relationships and the emotional fallout when those lines are blurred.
Further entries like Taboo 16 (1996) and Taboo 15 (1995), both directed by Fred J. Lincoln, also touch upon themes of desire, trauma, and unconventional relationships. Taboo 16 presents a story where a wife's childhood incestuous experiences shape her adult behavior, leading to the humiliation of her husband. It’s a dark exploration of how past trauma can manifest in present relationships. Taboo 15, on the other hand, uses a psychiatric setting, with a doctor attempting to help patients process sexual trauma through reenactment therapy. However, the narrative takes a turn as the doctor's own mental state becomes a central concern, hinting at deeper, more complex psychological issues. These films, while varied in their specific plots, consistently circle back to the idea of confronting or exploring what society deems 'taboo'.
And then there's Taboo 21 from 2005, directed by Red Ezra, which simply lists its adult film genre. While the reference material doesn't offer plot details for this specific entry, its inclusion in a series named 'Taboo' suggests a continuation of exploring provocative themes.
What's striking across these different productions, spanning decades and diverse creative teams, is the consistent engagement with the concept of 'taboo'. Whether it's through futuristic dystopias, psychological dramas, or explorations of familial dynamics, these films seem to be driven by a desire to push boundaries and examine the human psyche when confronted with the forbidden. It’s a complex tapestry, woven with threads of desire, societal control, and the enduring human fascination with what lies beyond the accepted norms.
