How 'PG-13' neutralized the discriminating teen's movie-going experience: Exhibit A
Second only to greed, the MPAA ratings system has been the bane of the U.S. film industry since its inception. Although the PG-13 rating was proposed as a logical solution to content occupying some sort of teen-appropriate gray area, I am presenting a very subjective theory that the addition of this intermediate advisory marker had a drastic and negative impact on the intellect, realism, and intensity of most movies aimed at a young-adult audience released thereafter. Beginning in the mid-80's, filmmakers no doubt battled over content and "target audience" with their studio execs. and distributors who had quickly latched on to the most lucrative demographic device since the talkie.
I seriously doubt this hypothesis has not already been addressed and explored to a more convincing extent. I am simply utilizing the tools provided here to maybe corroborate my supposition.
The following is a sample of U.S. films released in the ten years prior to the introduction of the PG-13 rating (including its inaugural year, 1984). I believe these movies would have been "edited down" to receive the more desirable tag had it been available at its release date. It should be noted here that I am not challenging the integrity of any specific filmmakers nor making claims that their principles would (or could) have been compromised. This presentation represents a meticulously selected list of reputable, R-rated movies with legitimate R-rated content that, with an age-13-17-market available, would have likely been altered to meet its standards. More importantly, a less-than-R rating on any of these films would have grievously diminished the overall quality, impact and visionary intent of its screenwriter(s) and/or director.
I have been attentive not to include films I believe would never have been swayed (e.g. "Blade Runner," "Caddyshack," "Assault On Precinct 13"); as well as films that would be considered PG-13 fare by 1985 standards ("Amadeus," "Birdy"); and films that could have easily received a PG-13 stamp had some slight, inconsequential or gratuitous content been re-worked ("The World According To Garp," "The Dead Zone").
Thanks for taking the time to review my latest list and consider its point-of-view. Please look for 'Exhibit B' in a future post.
I seriously doubt this hypothesis has not already been addressed and explored to a more convincing extent. I am simply utilizing the tools provided here to maybe corroborate my supposition.
The following is a sample of U.S. films released in the ten years prior to the introduction of the PG-13 rating (including its inaugural year, 1984). I believe these movies would have been "edited down" to receive the more desirable tag had it been available at its release date. It should be noted here that I am not challenging the integrity of any specific filmmakers nor making claims that their principles would (or could) have been compromised. This presentation represents a meticulously selected list of reputable, R-rated movies with legitimate R-rated content that, with an age-13-17-market available, would have likely been altered to meet its standards. More importantly, a less-than-R rating on any of these films would have grievously diminished the overall quality, impact and visionary intent of its screenwriter(s) and/or director.
I have been attentive not to include films I believe would never have been swayed (e.g. "Blade Runner," "Caddyshack," "Assault On Precinct 13"); as well as films that would be considered PG-13 fare by 1985 standards ("Amadeus," "Birdy"); and films that could have easily received a PG-13 stamp had some slight, inconsequential or gratuitous content been re-worked ("The World According To Garp," "The Dead Zone").
Thanks for taking the time to review my latest list and consider its point-of-view. Please look for 'Exhibit B' in a future post.
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