Introduction

Sex and sexuality are intrinsic, fundamental parts of human existence. Maturing as an individual usually includes some form of concurrent sexual development, whether it be in terms of gender, sex, sexuality, or a combination of all three. It is no coincidence that many films include these concepts in order to accurately portray the human experience and, similarly, include them in the form of sexual appeal in order to draw in viewers. Whatever the reason, however, understanding how these concepts are portrayed in film will consequently help us understand more about the sphere of public consciousness at the time of the film’s release, as well as what those working on the film were intending to portray about sex, sexuality, and gender. I will be examining two distinct eras of toga movies, which illustrate the industry's evolution in its approach to incorporating sex and sexuality. Additionally, these eras provide a lens through which we can observe the cultural shifts and changing perceptions surrounding these themes. 

During the era of the Hays code in Hollywood, Cleopatra (1963) and Spartacus (1960) reflect the prevailing cultural norms of the time period of sex being something “taboo” and hidden; in the era of the 1970s comedy, Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979) provides an alternate, satirical view of the conventions presented during the 60s. Over time, the cultural perception of sex and sexuality as depicted in film has generally become more tolerant and realistic, though still colored with the biases of the time on some levels.