Yet another complaint against the MPAA. Why? Because they are holding ground against foul, violent, and sexual material in films.
“An NC-17 rating?!” cries the filmmakers and distributors, “What about my freedom of speech?” Pleeease, if I had a nickel…
My response to the “filmmaker” who pushes that envelope:
One would think that shamelessly anchoring a film in overtly graphic content could, perhaps, raise some concern for audiences around the world. But more importantly — what’s the point?! Why is it necessary to dip so low into the depravity of humanity in an effort to “entertain”? Really — as if simply telling a story about mankind sans visually depicting our darkest faults wasn’t enough. I know you think that wallowing in the mire will bring you some publicity — and it will — but what it won’t bring you is perspective. Perspective is the “big picture”, it’s standing up and looking around. Perspective is walking through a playground, watching the innocence of the children as they play. Perspective is witnessing the birth of a child, holding her close, and promising to protect her — always. Perspective is putting aside your “rights” as a filmmaker in order to take up a cause that is so much greater. Perspective means giving more than you take.
Telling stories should not be about pushing limits, or vying for negative attention, but rather it should be about moving people. You can shape thinking, challenge, humor, scare, or a number of other emotional combinations, but in the end, you’re still simply telling a story. Set aside the need to punish mankind for it’s ill and disgusting behavior, and choose instead to celebrate who we can potentially become.
