Dottie Gets Spanked (1993)

In "Dottie Gets Spanked," a captivatingly vivid narrative from the imaginative mind of writer-director Todd Haynes, the tranquil veneer of suburban America in the pre-hippie 1960s is peeled back to reveal a world brimming with complex emotions and innocent obsessions. The story centres around Steven Gale, a six-year-old boy of artistic temperament, ensnared in his fascination for "The Dottie Show," particularly its eccentric star, Dottie Frank. Steven's enchantment gravitates towards a controversial spanking scene, a fixation that raises eyebrows and concerns, especially for his father. This seemingly innocent obsession is viewed as an alarming "sissified" interest by his perplexed father, who struggles with the show's implicit sexual undertones. Meanwhile, Steven's mother, with an understanding heart, gently nurtures her son's curiosity. This compelling narrative, nestled between Haynes' acclaimed works, "Poison" and "Safe," serves as a nostalgic nod to his childhood enchantment with "I Love Lucy." It is a provocative and heartfelt story that foreshadows themes seen in Haynes' Oscar-nominated "Far From Heaven." With a stylized blend of bittersweet nostalgia and deeply hidden emotions, "Dottie Gets Spanked" delves beneath the serene mid-century surface, exploring the labyrinth of human emotions that lie beneath.

Dottie Gets Spanked is a comedy movie featuring J. Evan Bonifant and directed by Todd Haynes.

Dottie Gets Spanked is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy.