Age censorship happens when part of a film is deleted for the suitability of age groups. In other words film scenes are told to be deleted from a film because the content may be unsuitable or inappropriate for viewing.
Age censorship is decided by the BBFC: British Board Film Classification. The company have authority on what films should have scenes cut or in some scenarios banned. The company regulates what comes out in a film and what does not. The purpose of this is to protect the viewing bpublic from anything offensive or upsetting.
The main content that is censored are:
Violence which could be grusome or violent that could influence the young. Language such as swearing or language that could be offensive to viewers. Events or word that could cause controversy. Drug abuse which could upset the audience or influence the young target audience. Culture which could be no tolerated by the audience. Religion which could be shown in disrepute or be not tolerated by the audience. Race Issues that could cause major conflict issues and true events that could be upsetting or misinterpreted upsetting the audience.
When a film is banned it is completely taken away from cinema viewing, due to material taht is indecent, harmful or offensive.
A cut occurs when a film is edited with film scenes taken out to make it appropraite for viewing.
Heart scene:
There are famous movies that have had scenes deleted due to inappropraite content for viewing. Like the Bodyguard due to extreme sexual and nudity content. Overall, every film is examined by a film agency to see if it is suitable for viewing. The original exorcist was a thriller that was banned for its horrifiying scenes and for religious reasons.
What this has taught me is, as a director or producer, I should be aware of the content I use in my thriller. This to make sure my film doesn't upset or offend the viewing audience.
If the BBFC allowed every film to be viewed, it would have likely caused outrage from the audience who might be offended. Another consequence could be that the film could Influenece the young target audience in a wrong way. Like a young person watching a rape scene can influence them to tolerate it.
Not all films are required to go through the BBFC for censorship, there are 2 reasons for this. The film might be fully clear of contatining scenes that need censorship. Another reason could be that the film may not be intended for a entire target audience, it may only be intended for a private audience.
RELIGIOUS AND CULTURAL PORTRAYAL:
The directors of a film would have to be really careful with the way they portray religions and cultures from around the world. The reason being is because they could especially offend people from their target audsience who believe in the religion or live in that culture.Also, there would be huge uproar of rioting if the culture opr religion is portayed in the wrong way.
FORNA vs KEMODE:
A debate occured on the use of age censorship, between Aminatta Forna and Mark Kemode.
Forna was for the use of censorship, stating that it protects the viewers from anything that they might find extremely upsetting or offensive. Otherwise, rivalry hatred could occur from the films and most Importantly, it can corrupt the minds of the young viewers, Influencing them to harm society through rape,murder etc.
In contrast, Kemode was against the use of age censorship, saying that viewers don't have to and shouldn't be corrupted by any film material. Regardless, if it is offensive, upsetting or inappropiate. People should decides for themselves if they want to view this material, not the BBFC deciding for them, meaning it is a breach of human rights. Furthermore, there is always a difference between reality and fiction, therefore people shouldn't be upset or offended by any film material.
This post has made me consider the element I put in my thriller, making sure that it is not offensive or extremely upsetting or corrupting.
MY OPINION:
Personally, I agree with the use of age censorship mainly for the reason taht it could offend the target audience.
A good post to demonstrate your understanding of the BBFC and their role in the film industry. Both opinions on film censorhsip have been explored.
ReplyDeleteTo improve;
-is going through the BBFC a legal requirement for all films? Mention this in your introduction and state why
-when culture and religious aspects are censored, what is it about them that directors need to be careful about? Make this clearer
-what is your opinion on film censorship?
-think and include some more films that have either been cut or banned, try and be thriller specific
I have done all the improvements you have enlisted to me miss.
ReplyDeleteGood Rex, your opinion on censorship is clear and good discussion on the portrayal of religious and cultural aspects. More examples of films that have been impacted by film censorship have also been included.
ReplyDelete