Blue Movie, a 1969 American erotic film by Andy Warhol, holds a significant place in cinematic history as the first adult erotic film with explicit sex to achieve wide theatrical release in the United States. Starring Warhol superstars Viva and Louis Waldon, the film became a landmark work of the Golden Age of Porn (1969-1984). Its explicit nature challenged societal norms and censorship laws of the time, contributing to the evolving landscape of American cinema and paving the way for future adult films.
June 12, 1969: Blue Movie Premiere
Blue Movie premiered at the Elgin Theater in New York City on June 12, 1969, preceding the legalization of pornography in Denmark.
July 1, 1969: Legalization of Pornography in Denmark
On July 1, 1969, pornography was legalized in Denmark, shortly after the release of Blue Movie in the US.
July 21, 1969: Blue Movie's Wider Release and Box Office Success
Blue Movie opened at the New Andy Warhol Garrick Theater in New York City on July 21, 1969, achieving box office success and quickly recouping its production costs.
July 31, 1969: Arrest and Confiscation
On July 31, 1969, the staff of the New Andy Warhol Garrick Theatre were arrested, and Blue Movie was confiscated.
September 1969: Court Ruling and Fine
In September 1969, a court ruled Blue Movie as "hardcore pornography," resulting in a fine for the theater manager, and sparking controversy and debate about the film's nature.
1969: Blue Movie Release and Significance
In 1969, Andy Warhol's Blue Movie became the first adult erotic film with explicit sex to achieve wide theatrical release in the United States, marking a turning point in the Golden Age of Porn (1969-1984).
1969: Blue Movie's Distinct Visual Style
In 1969, during filming, the use of incompatible film stock with daylight resulted in a blue/green tint for the middle reel of Blue Movie.
1970: Mona the Virgin Nymph Release
Mona the Virgin Nymph, another explicit erotic film, was released in the United States in 1970.
1970: Blue Movie Book Publication
Warhol published Blue Movie in book form, including dialogue and stills, through Grove Press in 1970.
1972: Last Tango in Paris Release
Last Tango in Paris, which Warhol considered to be inspired by Blue Movie, was released in 1972.
1972: Last Tango in Paris and Blue Movie's Influence
Warhol claimed his film, Blue Movie, was a significant influence on the making of the controversial 1972 erotic drama, Last Tango in Paris.
1973: The Rise of "Porno Chic"
The "porno chic" phenomenon emerged in 1973, marked by mainstream discussions of pornography by celebrities and film critics.
1984: End of the Golden Age of Porn
1984 marked the end of the Golden Age of Porn, the era that "Blue Movie" helped inaugurate.
2005: Blue Movie's First Public Screening in Over 30 Years
In 2005, Blue Movie was publicly screened in New York City for the first time in over three decades.
2016: Blue Movie Screening at the Whitney Museum
Blue Movie was screened at the Whitney Museum of American Art in Manhattan in 2016.
2016: Blue Movie at the Whitney Museum
In 2016, Blue Movie was exhibited at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City.