So... does sex really sell?

[Palmer of the Turks]

Source: http://www.harpers.org/Entertainment.html
Harper's Magazine

Percentage by which average earnings of a major U.S. film with no sex in 2003 exceeded those of one with graphic sex : 120%

Interesting fact, isn't it?
The old saw is that "sex sells" but this is kind of a contrary indicator of that.

Thought, comments, observations, debates?

[Tootsie Pop]

Perhaps the largest age group that sees movies are those under 18. Maybe they cant really get in to see movies that are probably rated to reflect any type of "graphic sex." That would be my best guess.

Though, a lot of times the best movies dont show a whole lot of detail in sex scenes because they can get by with a solid plot. So, maybe these sexy-type movies are just crappy to begin with and no one really wants to see them anyway.

[kuju]

kids movies, for example, or movies that filmmakers expect young kids to go to anyway (i.e. LotR) will bring in the kid/teen demographic... but ALSO the parents to take them... well, the young ones anyway.

Seriously, think about the blockbusters. Spiderman, LotR, Harry potter. none of them have sex, all of them are kid-friendly (if you don't mind violence)

[AbnormalBob]

By the term "sex sells" I don't think people are referring to graphic sex so much as they would be referring to something more subtle.

I think the term "sex sells" is more related to magazines and the sort. A picture of Britney in a skimpy outfit on the cover of Seventeen or one of those magazines would probably sell more than the same magazine with Britney in a Victorian Era style dress.

[StrayDog]

It's also a fact that the age group with the most disposable income wouldn't be allowed to view graphic sexual images.

[Barefoot Matt]

Originally posted by StrayDog@Aug 29 2004, 10:06 PM
It's also a fact that the age group with the most disposable income wouldn't be allowed to view graphic sexual images.
:eusa_eh: I didn't have very much disposible income when I was a kid... I have lots more now, and that's not saying much, cause I'm on a pretty tight budget. I guess most kids these days get jobs when they're like 13 though... I never had jobs during school.

[StrayDog]

I meant anyone under 18.

Nothing graphic usually happens on screen for anything but R18 stuff.

[Barefoot Matt]

Originally posted by StrayDog@Aug 30 2004, 12:51 AM
I meant anyone under 18.

Nothing graphic usually happens on screen for anything but R18 stuff.
Yeah, that's what I meant too. I didn't have disposible income to speak of until I was 18.

[Jebus]

Sex sells...

Britney Spears didn't get to where she is today on her music alone.

[Sydney123456]

Originally posted by Jebus@Aug 30 2004, 04:40 PM
Sex sells...

Britney Spears didn't get to where she is today on her music alone.
I was going to bring that up too.

Magazines have next to naked models on the front (Maxim much? How about Rolling Stone??) and actors/actresses REEK of sex. The clothes they wear, the attitudes they portray to the public. SEX SEX SEX SEX SEX SEX SEX. Paris Hilton...famous because she's beautiful? SEX!