Cast
View AllCrew
Director
- Anthony Aikman
Writer
- Anthony Aikman
- Barbara Smith
- Billy Byars
Producer
- Billy Byars
Reviews
JacobZeier92
An interesting movie made back in the late 60s/early 70s (late 1966 to early 1973) that depicts a friendly group of eight boys; children and teens (aged around ten to nineteen years old) who enjoy going around naked. _"The Genesis Children"_ has quite an enjoyable and innocent concept but it could be a lot better.
I have four views I want to express in regards to the flick as well as phenomena in general that aren't exactly popular but I'll say what I will regardless of what other people say. May I preface that I am no way, shape or form trying to promote sexual deviancy. In fact, I am promoting the exact opposite. So please understand what I'm trying to say even if you disagree.
1. This movie should **not** be rated "X". It shouldn't be rated at all. I believe it **should** and **can** be watched by people of all ages, including babies and children. Just because it contains nudity and display of male genitals and buttocks throughout doesn't mean it's pornography. It is innocent nudism, not porn.
2. Visual works that depict nude children (aged 12 years or younger) are **not** child pornography. Children are asexual in the mind until puberty, just like I was at that age. Children and child nudity is only sexual in the mind of pedophiles. There is **no** place for pedophilia on this earth. _"The Genesis Children"_ also depicts teen boys (aged 13 to 19 years), which is **not** sexual either. Teen boys are young men; young adults. They have adult bodies and voices; muscular bodies and big penises and scrota and low, deep voices. I am sick of the ridiculous and unreasonable gatekeeping: _"if the nude actors are under 18, it is child pornography."_ No, it ain't. Teens are **not** children, not physically anyway; ditto, they have adult bodies and voices already and their nude bodies and uncovered genitalia should not be censored, shamed and age-restricted to the arbitrary number of 18 years old as long as they don't behave sexually. That's when it **is** child pornography, legally speaking. Teens are children (I prefer the term "minors") by law, not by their physical maturity.
3. Genitals are not inherently sexual, as in pornographic. They **should not** be seen as such. Certainly genitals **always can** be sexual, they are so in some cases, but usually they are non-sexual. They are just parts of our bodies, for goodness sake. It totally depends of the context and intent. It's all in the mind at the end of the day. Nudity and genitals **should** and **can** be perceived as good, clean, pure, non-sexual and innocent, most of the time.
4. Being gay is **not** inherently sexual, as in pornographic, either. It **should not** be seen as such, it should not be age-restricted and should not be dismissed as merely a sexual orientation. Certainly, being gay **always can** be sexual, but so can be being straight, or lesbian. Being gay is often a sexual thing, but it doesn't have to be. I believe that being gay, lesbian or straight **should** and **can** be totally non-sexual; just friendly or platonic! Being gay is a choice for me because I like therefore choose boys and men, **not** in a sexual way though. Being gay, to me, is usually non-sexual. Same goes with being straight or lesbian. It totally depends on the context and intent. For example, as shown in _"The Genesis Children"_, any friendship between boys and/or men, no matter how old they are, **is** gay, clothed or naked. Nudism improves friendship, in my opinion, because we can see and deal with each others' wonderful bodies and genitalia in a totally non-sexual way. Age is just a number. Gay friendship is great, even for babies and children. But unfortunately, nudist intergenerational gay friendships, would be seen as pedophilia in the mainstream textile world and the adult would be rebuked and even put in jail for doing absolutely nothing wrong to the child or minor in any way. I feel society is too quick to judge.
Anyway, this concludes my review of this flick as well as my opinions about nudity, genitals and being gay, which to me are usually non-sexual as they should be. It is basically gay nudist friendship on film, which is a good thing. I wish more of it could exist in this world.
Jul 17, 2022
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Genesis Children examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Anthony Aikman brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1972, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Genesis Children took approximately 16 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 84 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 121 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 2047 individual shots.
- The musical score contains over 67 unique compositions.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1972, when this film was released:
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Genesis Children shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Between My Mother's Legs, which focuses more on action than character development, The Genesis Children offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Il Divo and Sahara explore similar territory, The Genesis Children stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 1, 1972
- Runtime: 1h 24m