Motion Picture Ratings

Since 1968, the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) has been in charge of rating the films which are distributed in the United States. Films which are suitable for viewing by children receive a G or PG rating, whereas those requiring adult supervision receive an R rating. Until 1990, the X label was used to designate films intended strictly for adults. Because of the violent or sexual content of such films, an X rating banned all children from seeing them, with or without parental approval. In 1990, a controversy over the MPAA's X rating arose. Because of its association with pornography, many filmmakers and viewers felt that it was unfair for the X to be used in labeling serious films with adult themes. Certain films, such as Henry & June, were seen as having serious artistic content; however, they were receiving X ratings because of their treatment of sexual issues. As a result of the rating system, directors of such films were forced to either re-edit their work in order to earn an R rating or else face limited distribution as a result of the X rating. In the fall of 1990, the MPAA announced a change in its rating system and the X label was replaced with NC-17. Responses to this change have been varied. Some people believe that the new NC-17 rating helps distinguish hard-core pornography from artistic films with adult themes. Others feel that the NC-17 is nothing more than a replacement for the X and that the same problems which plagued the rating syst

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Rob Reiner, Sydney Pollack and Barry Levinson) sent a petition to Jack Valenti, president of the MPAA. In their petition, the directors recommended the adoption of either an A (adult) or M (mature) in order to indicate that certain films contain "strong adult themes or images and that minors are not to view them" (Corliss, 1990, p. 56). However, Jack Valenti was not in favor of the solution proposed in the directors' petition. Valenti claimed that the purpose of the MPAA is simply to determine the amount of sex or violence contained in a particular film. In this way, the organization is able to provide a guideline for parents and for society at large. According to Valenti, the purpose of the MPAA is clearly not to make determinations regarding the artistic quality of a particular film. Whenever the MPAA rates a film, the members on the screening board consider whether or not the material on the screen is appropriate for children. In doing this, "they do not purport to reflect any critical assessment" (Lora, 1991, p. 74). Valenti was opposed to the directors' suggestion because "he maintained that adding an A (or M) while retaining the X would force the MPAA to distinguish between pornography and erotic art" (LeBlanc, 1990, p

Category: Film - M