Had seen it at the flicks, but watched ABC’s presentation. Kudos for showing it uncut (is this the first time that ‘cocksucker’ has been said on US broadcast TV?), a big Bronx cheer for the frequency of the commercials. Despite numerous flaws in the story department, I am struck again by the intense power of the images Spielberg committed to film.
And how very, very horrifying many of those images are. And there is where the surrealism of showing this film at this particular time comes in. One supposes that if the execs at ABC thought about the timing at all, it was along the lines of “patriotic theme, rally round the flag, etc.” Of course much of the cast ends up dying in the most gruesome and painful ways possible, and those who do survive are damaged for life, but it’s OK, 'cause we won the war. Or something.
Gotta think, though, that this may not have been the most reassuring choice of TV entertainment for persons with relatives currently in the Afghan region.
I don’t remember ‘cocksucker’, but there were several profanities during the first TV showing of ‘On Golden Pond’. ‘Schindler’s List’ also had some profanity in it if I recall correctly, and was shown uncut.
By “strange time,” it’s also bizarre that the Sunday “family hour” was invaded by the Armless Guy Looking For His Arm. Not that ABC had much choice; it’s a long movie, and the most grotesque stuff is right at the beginning (I just hate the way Gramps shuffles thru the cemetery!).
I applaud American TV for having the guts to show adult fare every once in a while. It takes something away, though, when the Disney guy has to apologize beforehand.
As for “cocksucker,” I think they have special dispensation to say that on “NYPD Blue” – also from your good friends at Disney/ABC. (No, the American Family Association is not happy. But they can go screw themselves. Cocksuckers.)