Research:Film Censorship-Mr Smith

                 Film Censorship 

Who are the BBFC and what is their role?

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is an independent, and powerful body which has been set up since 1912 classifying cinema films and in 1984 begun classifying videos and DVD's. The BBFC is a trusted guide to media content. The BBFC has many roles including allowing the audience to make informed viewing choices, provide an cost effective, effective classification service and respond to social attitudes towards media content through research. However the BBFC's main role is to protect the public, especially children from content which may raise harm and risks. 

Why is the role of the BBFC important to the film industry? Logo 

 

The role of the BBFC is important to the film industry as the highly experienced experts are able to rate films giving them
an age certificate which is appropriate according to the genre of the film and the content involved. Without the BBFC giving films an age certificate, it could affect young viewers if they were to watch a film that has strong violence and is only suitable for 15 year olds and older audiences. Furthermore, the BBFC can help the audience to identity what to expect from a film and the conventions that are likely to be evident in the films. Parents of young children can decide whether or not they want their child to view the film according to the content. Overall the BBFC is important to the film industry as it certifies films and keeps the audience safe from particular content that is not appropriate by either banning it, cutting it or censoring it. Once the film has been given an age certificate, the audience cannot change this or watch films that are not within the age limit of the age certificate. 

What things get censored and why?

There is a variety of things that get censored for the audiences safety to ensure they are not effected by the content or influenced in any way. Things that get censored include:

- Extreme violence 

- Graphic representation and realism

- Corrupt the young 

- Controversy and the press 

- Sex and nudity 

- Sexual violence

- Religion

- Class

- Language 

- Shock 

- Drug abuse

- Culture 

- Race

- True events 

Some of these things such as sex and nudity, sexual violence and language are evident in 18 films, however must not be exaggerated or detailed to impact the audience. These things can cause problems if they are not censored. 

What is difference between films being cut and banned? Examples

 

Cut 

 

When a film is edited or has had scenes taken out of it to make it appropriate for viewing. For example, an exaggerated nudity scene may be cut from a film that has an age certificate of 15 as this is not appropriate for young viewers and may make them uncomfortable. Examples of films that have been cut includes: 

- A Serbian film: This film had to be cut numerous times before it was classified 18. 

- The Human Centipede: After 32 cuts this film was finally given an 18 rating. Some Sexual violence and Graphic violence has been cut from this film to make it suitable for viewers. 

Banned 

When a film is taken away from cinema viewing due to indecent, harmful or offensive material. For example if a film has extreme violence, nudity and sexual violence throughout the film frequently then the BBFC may decide it is inappropriate for all viewers as it could be influential and have a negative impact, therefore they may decide to ban the film from entering cinema screens. 

Films that have been banned in the past includes: 

- Reservoir Dogs (1992): This film caused controversy in Britain that it was banned from VHS 

- Grotesque (2009): This film was banned due to the extremely disturbing footage including amputation scenes and eye gouging. 

- The Exorcist (1973): This film was banned due to being horrifyingly scary and in some cases for religious reasons. 

Discuss the Forna and kemode debate , and then discuss where your own opinions lie on this matter

Journalist and broadcaster Aminatta Forna makes the case for censorship while film critic and broadcaster Mark Kermode makes the case against.

Forna recognises the importance of freedom but recognises that freedom comes with responsibility. Allowing some groups use freedom to stir racial hatred removes the freedom of minorities to live without persecution. Despite the Race a relations Act, Forna argues that the BBFC passed uncut 'Romper Stomper' a film which consists of a group of skinheads on a mission to keep their neighbourhood white. This film promotes racism and could be influential for viewers therefore the use of censorship limits exposure and stops the audience from responding to films and TV shows. 

On the other hand, Kermode, argues that cuts and edits to a film can change the meaning of a film and does not expose the correct message to the audience therefore should not be censored in order for the audience to understand the film properly and the meaning. He believes that everybody who watches films have different interpretations and different views meaning that film censorship will not stop the audience from forming interpretations therefore is irrelevant in his eyes. 

After reviewing the two arguments I believe that film censorship is needed to keep the audience safe as people have different views and some people can be easily influenced by particular content. Therefore without censorship, exposure of nudity, sexual violence, language and corrupting the young would be allowed in films and could lead to more crimes and problems in society due to the audiences influences. Overall, film censorship is for the audiences safety and only allows viewers to see content that it is appropriate for them without affecting them and influencing their thinking. 

 

Conclusion: What have you learned about film regulation and what do you need to consider for your own thriller? 

After researching film regulation I have discovered that a film must be censored, cut or banned if there is inappropriate content such as extreme violence, race related themes and strong language to ensure that the film meets the viewers expectations and does not affect them negatively.  When creating my own thriller I will ensure that the content I produce will consist of appropriate themes. For example If I use race or religion in my film I will deal with the situation carefully not exaggerating it and causing issues. Overall, film regulation is important to films as it produces films that are suitable for viewers by cutting out or censoring any irrelevant and disturbing content.