Anderson, moreover, deals with the varied sexual escapades of his characters frivolously. Thus, though Freddie is portrayed as harboring forlorn hopes for a permanent bond with a girl from his past, his idealistic attitude toward her does not incline him to forsake all others – as demonstrated in a couple of graphic encounters.

An equal lack of restraint characterizes a scene in which Dodd inspires unrestrained bawdiness in his female disciples, who suddenly shed their clothes and prance across the screen in the altogether. However artistically impressive some other elements of the movie may be, the inclusion of such content renders these proceedings unsuitable for all.

The film contains strong sexual content, including graphic nonmarital sexual activity, full nudity and masturbation, references to incest and venereal disease, some scatological humor, at least one use of profanity as well as frequent rough and occasional crude language. The Catholic News Service classification is O – morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R – restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

Mulderig is on the staff of Catholic News Service.