For many years I’d heard about _Deliverance_, usually in the company of men who referenced it in a darkly joking manner, chuckled nervously, and then changed the subject as though something truly horrible were being avoided. I long wondered why so many men have found this movie deeply disturbing. Having now seen it, I understand: it brilliantly shows how easily the male ego can be horribly crushed, and how easily one can die stupidly. Perhaps it is a rare movie that shows men the fear women are familiar with.
For the last decade my wife has been tempted to watch it, just to discover what I did about it. While I agree it’s well done, it’s deeply disturbing and not something you want ingrained in your subconscious.
The book goes into great detail about the Burt Reynolds character's muscled arms and sinewed chest.
The movie goes one better.
It's probably the gayest movie of the 70s without coming out and slapping you across the face.
I'd wager that 99% of the 1972 audience didn't pick up on that theme, though.
They were plenty uncomfortable, but didn't really grasp why it bothered them so much.
Someone from 2014 would see it plain as day.