Midnight Cowboy is a critically acclaimed film that made history by being the first X-rated movie to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. However, its X-rating was later changed to an R. This article will delve into the reasons behind the initial X-rating and shed light on the film’s significance.
Released in 1969, Midnight Cowboy tells the story of a young Texan named Joe Buck, played by Jon Voight, who moves to New York City with dreams of becoming a male prostitute. He befriends a streetwise conman named Enrico “Ratso” Rizzo, portrayed by Dustin Hoffman, and together they navigate the harsh realities of the urban jungle.
One of the factors that led to Midnight Cowboy’s X-rating was its gritty and realistic portrayal of urban life, which included explicit sexual content and adult themes. The film delves into the dark underbelly of New York City, portraying the harsh realities faced by its characters, including prostitution, drug addiction, and poverty.
The X-rating initially given to Midnight Cowboy was a reflection of the film’s mature content, which was deemed unsuitable for viewers under 17. At the time, the X-rating did not necessarily imply explicit sexual content, but rather indicated that the film was intended for mature audiences due to its subject matter.
However, it is important to note that the X-rating system in the late 1960s and early 1970s was different from the X-rating commonly associated with pornography today. Films like Midnight Cowboy, which explored adult themes and contained explicit content, were often categorized as X-rated. As a result, Midnight Cowboy faced some controversy and was even banned in certain locations.
Despite its initial X-rating, Midnight Cowboy was widely praised for its powerful performances, compelling storytelling, and portrayal of urban loneliness and desperation. The film’s exploration of themes such as identity, friendship, and the American Dream resonated with audiences and critics alike.
Over time, the X-rating was reevaluated, and in 1971, the film’s rating was changed to an R. This change reflected a shift in societal attitudes towards explicit content and a reevaluation of the film’s artistic merit.
Midnight Cowboy remains an important piece of cinematic history, not only for its X-rating and subsequent reclassification but also for its impact on American cinema. The film challenged conventions and pushed boundaries, tackling taboo subjects with a raw and unflinching honesty.
Midnight Cowboy’s initial X-rating was a result of its explicit content and mature themes, which portrayed the harsh realities of urban life. However, the film’s artistic merits and cultural significance led to its reclassification as an R-rated film. Midnight Cowboy continues to be celebrated as a thought-provoking and groundbreaking film, highlighting the struggles and disillusionment of those who seek their fortune in the city that never sleeps.
Is Midnight Cowboy Still Rated X?
Midnight Cowboy is not currently rated X. It was initially released with an X rating in 1969, making it the first X-rated film to win the Oscar for Best Picture. However, the film’s rating was later changed to an R.
What Was Wrong With Ratso?
Ratso, a character from the movie “Midnight Cowboy,” became crippled at some point. The cause of his condition can be assumed to be polio, a debilitating viral infection. Polio, also known as poliomyelitis, is caused by the poliovirus and primarily affects the nervous system, leading to paralysis or muscle weakness.
Polio is transmitted through contaminated food, water, or close contact with an infected person. Once the virus enters the body, it multiplies in the intestine and can spread to the nervous system, specifically the spinal cord, causing damage to the motor neurons.
The symptoms of polio can vary from mild to severe, depending on the extent of nerve damage. In some cases, individuals may experience no symptoms at all, while others may exhibit flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, headache, and fatigue. However, in severe cases, the virus can attack the motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and even respiratory failure.
In Ratso’s case, it is implied that his condition resulted in his physical disability. Polio can cause muscle weakness or paralysis in any part of the body, depending on which motor neurons are affected. It is likely that Ratso’s legs were affected, leading to his crippled state. This disability would have significantly impacted his mobility and ability to perform daily activities.
It is worth mentioning that polio is a vaccine-preventable disease. The development of polio vaccines in the mid-20th century has significantly reduced the incidence of this infection globally. Today, polio is on the verge of eradication, with only a few countries still reporting cases.
Ratso’s condition of being crippled in the movie “Midnight Cowboy” can be attributed to polio, a viral infection that can cause paralysis or muscle weakness. Polio primarily affects the nervous system, and in severe cases, it can lead to significant physical disabilities.
What Is The Point Of Midnight Cowboy?
The point of “Midnight Cowboy” is to explore the harsh realities and challenges faced by individuals who migrate from rural areas to the bustling city. This classic American myth depicts the story of an eager young man who leaves his countryside home for the urban jungle, only to be confronted with a world that grinds down his innocence and naivety.
Through its narrative, “Midnight Cowboy” sheds light on the universal theme of the loss of innocence and the struggle to adapt to a new environment. This story, which echoes the works of authors like Theodore Dreiser and Sherwood Anderson, remains relevant because it mirrors the experiences that occur on a daily basis.
By showcasing the journey of the protagonist, the film emphasizes the transformative power of the city and the challenges it presents to those who are unprepared. The narrative serves as a cautionary tale, portraying the harsh realities and pitfalls that await individuals who venture from their familiar surroundings into unfamiliar territory.
The point of “Midnight Cowboy” is to offer a realistic portrayal of the struggles faced by those who leave their comfort zones in search of a better life. It serves as a reminder that the city can be both alluring and unforgiving, and that the journey from innocence to experience is not always an easy one.
The point of “Midnight Cowboy” is to depict the journey of a young man from the country to the city, highlighting the loss of innocence and the challenges faced in a new environment. It serves as a reflection of the everyday experiences of individuals who embark on similar journeys.
What Was Rico Sick With In Midnight Cowboy?
In the movie “Midnight Cowboy,” the character Rico “Ratso” Rizzo, played by Dustin Hoffman, suffers from a severe and persistent cough. This cough is symptomatic of a chronic and potentially fatal respiratory disease known as consumption, or tuberculosis.
Consumption, also referred to as pulmonary tuberculosis, is caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. It primarily affects the lungs but can also spread to other parts of the body. The disease is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or talks.
Symptoms of consumption include:
1. Persistent cough: The most common symptom is a cough that lasts for more than three weeks. The cough may produce phlegm or blood.
2. Fatigue and weakness: People with consumption often experience extreme tiredness and lack of energy.
3. Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss is a common sign of the disease.
4. Night sweats: Sweating excessively, particularly during sleep, is another symptom of consumption.
5. Fever: Some individuals may experience low-grade fevers, especially in the afternoon or evening.
6. Chest pain: Pain or discomfort in the chest may occur, particularly during deep breaths or coughing.
7. Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath can be present, especially as the disease progresses.
It is worth noting that during the filming of “Midnight Cowboy,” Dustin Hoffman, who played Ratso, actually contracted the flu. This added a layer of authenticity to his performance as he portrayed a character suffering from a debilitating cough. Hoffman’s real-life illness contributed to the realism and intensity of the scenes in which Ratso’s cough is prominently featured.
Rico “Ratso” Rizzo in “Midnight Cowboy” was sick with consumption, a serious respiratory disease characterized by a persistent cough. Dustin Hoffman’s real-life illness during filming further enhanced the authenticity of his performance.
Conclusion
Midnight Cowboy is a groundbreaking and gritty film that delves into the harsh realities of urban life and the struggles faced by its characters. The film’s X-rated classification upon its release in 1969 highlighted its bold and unflinching depiction of adult themes and content. However, it later had its rating changed to an R, a testament to its enduring significance and cultural impact.
One of the key elements of Midnight Cowboy is the portrayal of Ratso, a character who is presumed to be crippled as a result of polio. This adds a layer of depth to the story, highlighting the physical and emotional hardships faced by individuals living in the city. The film successfully captures the essence of the American myth of an ambitious young individual coming to the city, only to be confronted with the harsh realities and complexities of urban life.
The performances in Midnight Cowboy, particularly by Jon Voight and Dustin Hoffman, are exceptional. Voight’s portrayal of the naive and hopeful Joe Buck, and Hoffman’s portrayal of the sickly and street-smart Ratso, are both captivating and memorable. The chemistry between the two actors adds to the authenticity of their characters’ relationship and highlights the transformative journey they embark on together.
Furthermore, Midnight Cowboy stands out for its use of the Method acting approach, with Hoffman even falling ill during a particularly intense scene. This dedication to realism adds an extra layer of authenticity to the film and enhances the impact of its narrative.
Midnight Cowboy remains a significant film in cinema history. Its exploration of themes such as loneliness, friendship, and the pursuit of the American Dream resonates with audiences even today. While the film may have been controversial upon its release, it has since been recognized as a masterpiece, earning the prestigious honor of being the first X-rated film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.
