After learning about the chronology and the evolution of the movie industry, we travelled through time to recent eras. I found this week’s rating system topic eye opening.
Established in 1968, the film rating system is presented to provide parents with the information needed to determine if a film is appropriate for their children.
As the number of violence and sex dominated movies increased in our time, one might think that some level of guidance would be very helpful. However, the documentary “This Film is Not Yet Rated” reveals the controversy behind this censorship system. What MPAA claims to be a parent-focused rating system actually goes much deeper than that.
Over the years, the rating system became a tool to expand or limit the ability of the movie producers to market their film. The difference between NC-17 and R meant millions of dollars. It served the giant movie studios more than the independent film makers who were looking for freedom to express themselves without censorship.
The fact that MPAA doesn’t disclose the name of the people who are rating these movies makes it more controversial. It makes the public think that the organization is run in a shadowy way.
The documentary highlights the difference about how censorship is perceived in Europe and the US. European countries are much more open on sexual restrictions and more restricted on violence restrictions. However, it is the opposite in the US. To show human sexuality falls into R category while violent shooting scenes can be pg13, as long as there is no blood.
Do you think the rating system can be improved to be more transparent in the future?
Mass Media & American Life 
I think you make a very good point when you state how the rating system is a tool to control the extent to which movie producers can market their film. I don’t think an official rating system is the best way to inform the public on the controversial content in films, however, if we are to continue using a rating system, I think there are many ways in which it can be approved. I would love to see a board of psychologists making these decisions instead of random parents. There are a few studies suggesting witnessing aggressive behavior can cause aggressive behavior in children (Albert Bandura’s famous “bobo doll” study comes to mind.) This might decrease the leniency being shown to violent films.
LikeLike
I don’t think they can be improved because I think they want to be in full control of the narrative or public opinion is put out so I think the rating system will continue to operate with things the way they are.
LikeLike