I. Introduction
Movie ratings help audiences determine the themes, language, and violent or sexual content present in a film. The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) provides ratings ranging from G to NC-17, with NC-17 being the most restrictive. An NC-17 rating denotes that no children under 17 are allowed to attend the movie, regardless of parental accompaniment. This rating often leads to limited distribution and marketing, affecting the films’ success.
The movie ‘Blonde,’ based on Joyce Carol Oates’s novel of the same name, received an NC-17 rating due to its sexual content and disturbing themes. The film tells the story of Marilyn Monroe, her rise to fame, and her subsequent fall from grace. However, the film’s NC-17 rating has created controversy. In this article, we examine the misconceptions surrounding the rating and the movie, break down its controversial themes and scenes, and delve into the politics of rating systems.
II. Exploring the Misconceptions Surrounding the NC-17 Rating for the Film ‘Blonde’: A Comprehensive Analysis
Many people still associate the NC-17 rating with pornography and explicit sexual content. However, the reality is that the NC-17 rating is a tool to inform audiences about adult content. The misconception that NC-17 equates to pornography has created a stigma that negatively affects the critical reception and commercial success of movies with this rating.
As it pertains to ‘Blonde,’ the NC-17 rating stems from the film’s sexual content and overall dark themes. The movie portrays sex as a transactional, manipulative tool in the entertainment industry, disturbingly depicting the sexual abuse of Marilyn Monroe. While the movie does not contain explicit pornographic content, the heavy sexual themes tie into the movie’s broader message about the dangerous nature of the entertainment industry and performance culture.
These misconceptions surrounding the NC-17 rating’s association with pornography have misled viewers of what film content a rating of NC-17 denotes. This, in turn, leads to negative reviews and a decrease in box-office numbers. Critics felt that the film’s NC-17 rating resulted in commercial isolation, and the theatres that showed it had low turnouts, highlighting how NC-17 can affect a movie’s earnings.
III. Breaking Down the Controversial Themes and Scenes in ‘Blonde’ – Is the NC-17 Rating Warranted? Our Verdict
‘Blonde’ deals with themes such as sexual and emotional abuse, drug use, and suicide. Among the many controversial scenes in the film are the sex scenes, which depict manipulation and non-consensual behavior. The sexual acts shown in the movie are graphically explicit and are often not romantic or consensual.
As the graphic sexual content depicted in ‘Blonde’ pertains to the movie’s broader message of the entertainment industry’s murky waters, while it can be uncomfortable to view, it is an essential tool in telling this story. The director’s decision to include these actions in the film is undoubtedly justified. The NC-17 rating for ‘Blonde’ is warranted, given the sexual content shown in the movie but not because it is pornographic.
IV. From Graphic Sexual Content to Violence: Why ‘Blonde’ Received the NC-17 Rating and What it Means for the Future of Film
The NC-17 rating for ‘Blonde’ is primarily due to the sexual content. The rating system was first used in 1990 by the MPAA to replace the X rating linked with hardcore pornography. The NC-17 rating was intended to distinguish adult-oriented films that are not obscene from pornography.
The NC-17 rating provides filmmakers with the freedom to produce films with sexually explicit content more so than an R rating. However, a vital trope in the industry is the commercial viability of a film. The NC-17 rating affects the marketing and distribution of the movie, causing companies to distance themselves from films with NC-17 ratings. This limited distribution negatively affects the films’ critical reception and overall earnings, leading to the production of less risky and boundary-pushing movies.
V. Behind the Scenes of ‘Blonde’: The Filmmaker’s Perspective on the NC-17 Rating and the Importance of Pushing Boundaries
The director of ‘Blonde,’ Andrew Dominik, intended to depict Marilyn Monroe in ways previously unexplored and confront the most uncomfortable truths about the industry. According to him, depicting graphic content was vital to the movie’s message. Despite the NC-17 rating and its negative impact, Mr. Dominik affirmed that the film was successful in accomplishing its objectives.
‘Blonde’ raises the question of how far a movie can go in its intentions and delivery. The rating system does not account for individual viewer tolerances and sensibilities, which can differ depending on age, race, and gender. A film that is appropriate for one viewer may not be acceptable for another. Therefore, filmmakers must push boundaries appropriately and conscientiously.
VI. The Politics of Rating Systems: An Examination of How the NC-17 Rating is Applied, using ‘Blonde’ as an Example
The process of rating a movie is complex, involving multiple steps and parties. The rating board comprises parents, teachers, and other citizens who serve for a limited term and rotate regularly. The board members watch movies and determine the appropriate rating, based on MPAA’s guidelines.
However, the rating board’s subjectivity can lead to biases, inconsistencies, and selective moral standards. The rating system’s politicization can also result in rigidity around rating system interpretations. As it pertains to ‘Blonde,’ the NC-17 rating and distribution limitations are considered limiting artistic freedom and are blamed for the movie’s poor box office performance.
VII. Conclusion
In conclusion, the NC-17 rating system has a controversial history and has often been the subject of misconceptions and politicization. The NC-17 rating negatively affects marketing and distribution of films, leading to lower box-office success. However, films with this rating typically offer a unique perspective and challenge social norms.
‘Blonde’ is an example of a movie that tackles challenging themes, disturbing content, and graphic sexual scenes. Despite receiving an NC-17 rating, the director and creators maintain that the graphic sexual content is critical in conveying the movie’s message. Ultimately, movie ratings depend on the viewer’s discretion and interpretation of the film’s artistic merit. Concerning the movie ‘Blonde,’ the NC-17 rating was warranted strictly under the movie’s graphic sexual scenes without classifying it as pornographic or obscene.
We encourage viewers to engage in critical analysis of rating systems, contribute to the conversation, and support boundary-pushing content in film.