Final answer:
The director who embodied the sexual freedoms of the "new morality" in the 1920s was Cecil B. DeMille. His films often included scenes that pushed the boundaries of sexual norms during a time influenced by the popularization of Sigmund Freud's ideas about sexuality. DeMille's work was emblematic of the societal shift towards more liberal attitudes on sexuality.
Step-by-step explanation:
The director who most fully embodied the sexual freedoms of the "new morality" during the 1920s was none other than Cecil B. DeMille. DeMille was known for his epic films, often with biblical themes, but within those stories, he frequently explored and pushed the boundaries of sexual norms of the day, which would tie into the broader societal shifts happening at that time. His approach to filmmaking came during a period when the ideas of psychologist Sigmund Freud were becoming increasingly popular. Freud's theories on sexuality and the subconscious were pivotal in shaping the new morality of the 1920s, which saw a departure from the strictly conservative Victorian ideals that had dominated American culture.
In the realm of movies, stars like Charlie Chaplin became immensely popular with American audiences. Chaplin, however, was known more for his comedic genius and the sympathetic portrayal of the common man’s struggles, rather than being a figurehead for the new morality like DeMille. On the other hand, DeMille's narratives often included scenes of lavish extravagance and suggestive content, which provided an avenue for audiences to experience the new morality in a visual and dramatic form.
His films embodied a nation in the throes of changing attitudes towards sexuality, relationships, and individual freedoms. This was a time when birth control became more accepted, evidenced by increased contraceptive sales and changing attitudes towards premarital sex, as mentioned in surveys from the era. Although other filmmakers and actors like Mae West also contributed to the cultural conversation about sexuality, DeMille stands out as a director whose work most embraced and represented the zeitgeist concerning sexual freedom in the 1920s.