This Film Is Not Yet Rated (2006)
This Film Is Not Yet Rated is a provocative 2006 American documentary that delves into the secretive and inconsistent process by which the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) rates films. Directed by Kirby Dick and produced by Eddie Schmidt, the film premiered at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival and received a limited theatrical release on September 1, 2006. Let’s explore the intriguing revelations and themes presented in this eye-opening documentary:
- Rating System Scrutiny:
- The film dissects the MPAA’s rating system and its impact on American culture. It questions the fairness and transparency of the ratings assigned to films.
- Alleged disparities emerge: Does the MPAA treat studio and independent films differently? How does it handle violent versus sexual content? And what about sexual content related to heterosexual versus homosexual themes?
- NC-17 and Controversy:
- The documentary includes clips from films rated NC-17 (No Children Under 17 Admitted) to illustrate content that garnered this restrictive rating.
- Interestingly, an early version of the film itself received an NC-17 rating due to “some graphic sexual content.” Director Kirby Dick appealed this rating to chronicle both the rating process and appeals in the final version, which, true to the title, remains unrated.
- Revelations and Undercover Investigation:
- Filmmaker Kirby Dick and his crew employ a private investigator, Becky Altringer, to unmask the identities of the ratings and appeals board members.
- Shocking revelations emerge:
- Many board members either have adult children or no children at all, contrary to the MPAA’s suggested hiring criteria.
- Homosexual material faces harsher treatment than heterosexual content.
- Female climax or nontraditional sexual activities often receive stricter ratings.
- NC-17 ratings significantly impact a film’s box office success and home media sales, as theaters hesitate to show such films.
- Independent filmmakers suffer disproportionately from harsh ratings.
- Legacy and Cultural Control:
- The film’s title reflects its defiance—the final version remains unrated.
- Kirby Dick’s exposé sheds light on the MPAA’s efforts to control culture through its rating decisions.
- It challenges viewers to consider the power wielded by this secretive organization.
In a world where movies shape our perceptions and conversations, This Film Is Not Yet Rated urges us to question who holds the reins of artistic expression. It invites us to peek behind the curtain and recognize that film ratings are not just about age-appropriateness; they influence our cultural landscape.
