In my mind, the only time controversy works against a film is when it's rooted in issues the filmmaker hasn't deliberately addressed.
To get into your story, the audience needs to know they're in good hands. Forgive me a metaphor, if you will:
If you're in airplane and it's flying upside down, you're not going to be able to talk with your neighbor or enjoy the scenery.
Now, sometimes turning the plane upside down is the point. If the passengers know that, then at least they can take in the experience and trust that the pilot won't get them killed.
On the other hand, what about turning the plane upside down when they're supposed to be looking out the window at the Grand Canyon? Think they'll appreciate that gorgeous Arizona high desert under those circumstances?
No, sir. They're too busy wondering what the crazy jerk in the cockpit is up to.
When artists talk about making everything a choice, this is what they mean. Controversy is useful when it's based on deliberate choices. When it's not, the film comes off as accidental or incompetent. Those are the only two things you never want people saying about you as an artist.
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