Documentary   N/A

Boiled Angels: The Trial of Mike Diana is a documentary film that delves into the extraordinary story of artist Mike Diana and his groundbreaking obscenity trial in Florida, 1994. The film takes a closer look at the events leading up to Diana's conviction and examines the larger implications for freedom of speech and artistic expression in the United States.

The documentary introduces Mike Diana, a talented underground artist known for his graphic and controversial artwork. His zine, titled Boiled Angel, features grotesque and violent imagery that explores themes of sexuality, religion, and societal taboos. Despite its limited circulation, the zine caught the attention of an undercover police officer, who purchased a copy and initiated the legal proceedings against Diana.

As the legal battle unfolds, the film explores the societal and cultural context surrounding the case. It delves into the moral panic that gripped the conservative community in Florida upon discovering Diana's artwork. Conservative authorities found his content offensive, explicit, and obscene, and believed it posed a threat to public morality.

The documentary features interviews with various key figures involved in the trial, including Mike Diana himself, his supporters, legal experts, art critics, and members of the community. These interviews provide insight into the arguments put forth during the trial, with Diana defending his work as a form of artistic expression and freedom of speech.

Through archival footage, courtroom sketches, and personal testimonials, the film chronicles the trial proceedings and sheds light on the challenges faced by Diana's defense team. It highlights the limitations of the First Amendment, the changing cultural landscape of the 1990s, and the clash between artistic freedom and societal norms.

As the trial unfolds, Boiled Angels: The Trial of Mike Diana explores the broader significance of the case. It raises questions about censorship, the power of art to challenge established social orders, and the importance of protecting artistic expression even in the face of controversy.

The documentary concludes by examining the impact of Diana's conviction on subsequent obscenity cases and the legacy of the trial for future artists and creators. It prompts viewers to reflect on the ongoing tensions between artistic freedom, societal norms, and the role of the law in defining obscenity and censorship.
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