F-Word
This film — which we are referring to as "(F-Word)," because the actual word isn't one we can print in a family newspaper — doesn't really contain much more profanity than your average Quentin Tarantino or Kevin Smith film.And in this case, the foul language serves a purpose: to further discussion of what constitutes obscenity.
Those who can stand the nearly nonstop barrage of swear words will find the first half of this documentary feature pretty interesting. However, it's not too far along into the film's 90 minutes before it becomes tiresome, which perhaps explains why the makers of this film decided to spice it up with graphic sexual footage (from pornographic videos) and similarly smutty cartoons.
After that, things go downhill swiftly.
The film is an examination of the origins, meaning and usage of what is supposedly the most forbidden of all swear words. Director Steve Anderson (2003's "The Big Empty") interviewed several supposed experts on the subject, to include linguists, politicians, filmmakers, musicians, porn stars and comedians.
The most enlightening commentary comes from humorist George Carlin, who wasn't even interviewed for the film. But footage from his stage act and sound clips from his infamous "Seven Dirty Words You Can't Say on Radio or Television" routine is included, and it's still relevant today in its ability to shock.
In fact, they're shockingly irrelevant.
"(F Word)" is not rated but would probably receive an NC-17 for pervasive sexual language (profanity and crude sexual slang), off-color sexual humor, graphic sex and nudity (porn footage and cartoons), movie violence and gore, and slurs based on race and ethnicity. Running time: 90 minutes.
E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com