“Censuring the Movie Censors” is a article written by Richard Corliss discussing an argument over the way movies are rated here in the U.S compared to the way other countries rate their movies. Corliss goes into deep detail throughout his article by discussing the issue with the MPAA [Motion Picture Association of America] and who the MPAA actually are, and how it’s affecting film ratings. In his introduction Corliss introduced Maria Bello and actress that played a role in the movie “The Cooler” where this film was rated NC-17 due to the fact that the movie shows a glimpse of the actors’ genitals. Which angered Bello because “Scary Movie” received a softer ruling by being rated R. Who by the way shows grotesque brutality in their film. Bello …show more content…
Other countries usually classify by the lowest age of the person who is permitted to see the film, and if you weren't that age you weren't allowed inside to see it. For example in France and Germany the ages were 12, 16, and 18, but once you turn 18 you can go on your own. Later he shits towards the U.S and it’s rating system by informing the audience on how the MPAA’s purpose is to suggest parents what film would be acceptable for their kids to watch. However in his second section “No Standards, No Precedents” he mentions that filmmakers aren't told the identity of the people who are rating their movie or any kind of information, which only leads them to believe that there’s a no rater-training process, and that people were just hired to sit in a screening room, and start rating films. Corliss gives good points on two chronic biases that is important to the rating system. He explains, and gives his audience examples towards big studios, and towards indie movies as well as on sex and violence. He uses “South Park” and “Orgazmo” as an example of bias because “Orgazmo” a indie movie that was rated NC-17 weren’t given any hints in cutting the film to get less proscribed rating. However when Paramount Network was behind the movie “South Park” they were rated R.