If you’ve listened to our show, or read any of my reviews, you’ll find I typically don’t curse. In fact, I might be the worst person to be writing a review on the history of curse words. Just because I don’t necessarily use strong language doesn’t mean I shy away from entertainment that proudly dives into profanity, which is so common in our day to day life. I don’t use profanity out of personal conviction. Sometimes that conviction can be outweighed by my love for Nicolas Cage. One of our 2019 accomplishments was the spin-off podcast, Cage Corner, a podcast which focuses exclusively on Cage’s filmography.
Sometimes the subject of cuss words can draw out some fairly unique expressions, expressions which rival Cage’s own signature freak outs. When Netflix dropped the first trailer for History of Swear Words with Cage as a host, it seemed like a marriage made in heaven. For as long as Cage has been an actor, History marks his first foray into the world of television. Cage is the host of the six-episode docu-series which explores the origins and impacts of the words F**k, Sh*t, Bitch, D**k, Pu**Y, and Damn. You’d think the idea of Cage stepping into an elongated format, such as television, would offer hardcore fans a delightful excess of his mannerisms. However, viewers are left to desire a bit more of the cult actor.
Don’t get me wrong: bringing in someone of Cage’s caliber is a huge plus, but History can sometimes feel more like a tease to Cage’s true television debut in the upcoming Joe Exotic bio-series, which is expected to debut later this year. Cage is entertaining in all the ways that you would expect him to be. I guess my only complaint for this series was wanting more from him. He does a fantastic job at hyping viewers up for the educational experience they are about to go through. At the end of the day, a documentary is still a movie. A docu-series, like History, is still television. Why not make it entertaining? While the majority of the series focuses on interviewing respected scholars and comedians equally, there is a fair amount of content that is scripted. This is the portion of the show where Cage rides high. He is an absolutely thrilling host that can place him up there with iconic hosts like Dave Chapelle or Rod Serling.
When I came to this show, I honestly thought Cage would be my favorite part. I’m happy to be wrong about that. History is as interactive as it is informative. History has multiple animated segments that help it to stand out visually. The animation style reflects the late 90s series Amanda Anaconda, which places near paper animation on a traditional two-dimensional background. These animations are strangely stunning in every way imaginable. Most of us don't come to documentaries or docu-series to be entertained. It’s an added bonus, but it’s never usually the primary reason we come. We come to learn something. History doesn’t disappoint on any level. The interviews with scholars, college professors, and former Webster dictionary employees quickly establish this as an insanely fun and informative series. As the title suggests, you will learn a great deal. History is surprisingly encompassing. It draws attention not exclusively to the mere history of the words, but also the cultural impact, how they’ve affected our entertainment, and both belittle and empower people.
Overall, History of Swear Words sets the bar fairly high for documentaries and docu-series that will follow in 2021. It’s as incredibly enlightening as it is entertaining, and it’s just plain fun. Nicolas Cage, as the series host, never disappoints, jumping into his signature mannerisms alongside the historical data and growth of each of these words. Its signature animation and panel of guests easily makes History of Swear Words one of the first great things to come out of 2021.
RORSHACH RATING:
If you or someone you know is reading this right now and struggling with suicide, depression, addiction, or self-harm - please reach out. Comment, message, or tweet at us. Go to victimsandvillains.net/hope for more resources. Call the suicide lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Text "HELP" to 741-741. There is hope & you DO have so much value and worth!
Listen more: The Cage Corner Podcast, Mank (Episode #348), Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Episode #352.1)
The podcast portion of Victims and Villains is written (and produced) by Josh "Captain Nostalgia" Burkey and others, and edited by Cam Smith. Music by Mallory Johnson and others. History of Swear Words is property of Netflix. We do not own nor claim any rights.
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