A new study conducted by researchers in Australia concludes that Hollywood portrays a lot of sex and drug use but shows almost none of the potential negative consequences of sex and almost never shows stars using or even discussing birth control that may prevent pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
The study examined 87 of the biggest box-office hits since 1983. The conclusion: there were no depictions of unwanted pregnancy or STDs in the films studied. The study also found that drugs were frequently depicted but 'without negative consequences.' The results of the study were published in the most recent issue of the 'Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine.'
The 87 films studied were chosen based on a September 2003 list of the most successful movies of all time. All animated features and films were G and PG ratings were removed as were any films that were released or set before the start of the worldwide AIDS pandemic in 1983.
A total of 28 films of the 87 remaining had sex scenes. There were 53 total sex scenes in these 28 movies.
The only film that even came close to discussing condom use was the 1990 hit 'Pretty Woman' starring Julia Roberts. In the film, Roberts played a prostitute who spends time with a business tycoon played by Richard Gere. The film had a 'suggestion of condom use, which was the only reference to any form of birth control' according to the study.
'There were no depictions of important consequences of unprotected sex such as unwanted pregnancies, HIV or other STDs,' the study concluded.
The researchers were critical of James Bond and particularly the 2002 film 'Die Another Day.' They found that the world's most famous secret agent had three sex scenes involving 'The 2002 Bond adventure Die Another Day contained three episodes of sex -- 'all new partners, no condoms, [and] no birth control.
'The most popular movies of the last two decades often show normative depictions of negative health behaviors,' the study concluded. 'The motion picture industry should be encouraged to depict safer sex practices and the real consequences of unprotected sex and illicit drug use.'
The study was led by Dr. Hasantha Gunasekera of the University of Sydney's School of Public Health. Dr. Gunasekera added, 'The social norm being presented is concerning, given the HIV and illicit drug pandemics in developing and industrialized countries.'
