Analysis of "Sex and the Cinema"

Edward Jay Epstein’s “Sex and the Cinema” is an argumentative piece in which he argues that the absence of at least graphic sex is the key to the success of Hollywood’s top moneymaking movies. He mentions a few examples of the top 2004 movies and how neither of them included sexual scenes. This was a good way to introduce his thesis and support his argument right off the bat.

Epstein mentions that there are three factors to consider when it comes to moneymaking in movies. First, he mentions the rating system and its importance in raking in the cash. His main idea in this factor is that an NC-17 movie will lead to a box office failure. This is one way he proves that going over the top with sex could limit profits. Second, Epstein emphasizes a consideration for Wal-Mart’s importance in sales, which accounts for over one quarter for the sales from the six major movie studios. Wal-Mart has a decency policy that forces studios to avoid sexual content, so this causes these movies not to take part in the success in sales through this popular retailer. Finally, the third factor that Epstein explained was that movies on TV must meet standards of public decency. He used Janet Jackson’s wardrobe malfunction from Super Bowl XXXVIII and the penalty CBS received from the government as an example of why broadcast television stations will not take any chances with sex in movies.

The conclusion is a restatement of Epstein’s claim at the beginning of his piece. Throughout his argument, he mainly relied on facts and examples, which is the most guaranteed strategy in making a strong stand on any argument. Emotional appeals are always a nice complement, however, rough facts and evidence are the most important building blocks to proving a point. Epstein was flawless in that sense.