This Film Is Not Yet Rated (2006)
Director: Kirby Dick
Runtime: 97 min
It’s very interesting to see how the Motion Picture Association of America‘s (MPAA) film-rating system operates, indicating thematic and content suitability for certain audiences. Board membership is secret and no one knows how the members are selected, the standards and criteria are not public, and it appears that the decisions are often arbitrary. Independent production companies are treated worse than the major studios, gay scenes are getting much harsher rating than similar heterosexual scenes, and there are indications of influence by different conservative pressure groups. If the film gets rated NC-17 (no children under 17 admitted) most distribution companies will refuse to distribute it, movie wouldn’t be able to advertise (etc), resulting in huge financial losses. In the case of an appeal, decision is made by the board composed of big studios’ corporate officials. There is no possibility of initiating judicial proceedings and no legal instance can change decisions made behind closed doors by these unknown individuals. This movie tells the story about dictatorship of mediocrity and silent censorship which is almost impossible to counter.
You can download this film or watch it online.
