Boiled Angels: The Trial of Mike Diana is a documentary film that explores the story of self-published artist Mike Diana, who became the first person in the United States to be convicted of obscenity. Set in Florida in 1994, the film delves into the highly controversial trial which saw Diana handed a three-year probation sentence, fined $3,000 and required to undergo psychological counseling.
The documentary follows a narrative format and features interviews with Diana, legal experts, and various key witnesses in the case. Through these accounts, the film uncovers the circumstances surrounding Diana's arrest, and the various elements that contributed to the prosecutor's decision to criminalize his work. It also examines the legal challenges that arose as a result, and the impact it had on the broader artistic community.
As the title suggests, the documentary is centered around Diana's controversial zine Boiled Angel, which featured graphic illustrations of violence, sex, and other taboo subjects. In particular, the zine's depiction of child abuse and graphic violence towards women drew widespread criticism and outrage from conservative groups and law enforcement officials.
Boiled Angels: The Trial of Mike Diana is a fascinating, thought-provoking and sometimes disturbing look at the often-confusing standards of obscenity and the complex issues surrounding freedom of speech, artistic expression, and censorship. It is a must-see for any fans of underground and self-published art, and anyone interested in the ongoing struggle to protect First Amendment rights.
