Complete reference for the documentary
The title of the documentary viewed is This Film Is Not Yet Rated. The documentary was released on 1st September 2006 and is directed by Kirby Dick. IFC Films distributed it.
Primary goal or thesis of the documentary
The primary goal of producing this documentary was to examine the film rating system adopted by the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America), the organization charged with the responsibility of censoring films. It also explores how the review board decided on how a film should be rated, the amount of power that the MPAA rating board holds, and gives us a glimpse of some of the closely guarded secrets of the MPAA. However, the MPAA is enshrouded in secrecy in its business and this is what Kirby Dick seeks to shed light on. In particular, a key issue of the MPAA is its rating system, especially the X rating, implying that those under the age of 17 are not allowed entry. It also exposes the anonymous panel whose role it is to establish who can see the extent to which filmmakers can go with films based on violence and sex.
Presentation of the documentary
From the outset, it is quite clear that in deciding to develop this documentary, Kirby Dick already had an agenda in mind namely, to paint the MPAA in bad light. For nearly five decades, the MPAA has been charged with the responsibility of rating the content of films. The rating system involves professional "raters" enlisted by the MPAA who proceed to watch each film and then vote on its rating system that is, as a PG film, P, R, PG-13, or even NC-17) that is, no child under 17). In this case, This Film Is Not Rated utilizes archival footage and interviews to assess the process. (Eagan n.p.). Consequently, the film assumes an attack mode which invigorates the urge to torpedo the MPAA. While constructive criticism of the MPAA is well deserved, a wholesome attack on the organization as the film does creates an imbalance in its presentation. For example, Kirby Dick decides to interview only filmmakers whose films have been rated NC-17 by the MPAA and hence are unlikely to give anything short of a criticism of the organization.
Directors like Kimberly Pierce whose films The Cooler and Boys Don't Cry, respectively, received an NC-17 rating from the MPAA reveal that the board tends to be tougher on violence than sex, and less lenient on studio releases compared with independent films. Kirby Dick even hires a private detective to uncover the true identity of the rating board members, which is a top-guarded identity within the organization (McCarthy n.p.). Revealing the identity of MPAA raters does not serve a useful purpose considering that their hearings are conducted in private and as such, none of the members may be held to account for decisions made.
Recommendations based on issues highlighted by the documentary
Despite the criticism leveled against This Film Is Not Yet Rated, the documentary revealed that the MPAA is a broken system in need of fixing. This is made worse by the fact that the MPPA is characterized by a lack of accountability and a high level of secrecy in its rating of firms. For example, it is less restrictive while rating violence but highly restrictive while rating sexuality, not to mention its bias against gay and independent filmmakers (Dick n.p.). Moreover, the MPAA does not reveal the names of its ratings board members. To ensure an unbiased and effective film ratings system, which is a prerequisite for educators, film-makers, parents, and film audiences, there is a need for increased regulation from government, courts, and private-sector organizations to cut down the excesses of the MPAA and increase accountability to its various stakeholders. The goal of virtually all national film rating systems is to ensure that vulnerable children are protected from adult content. While the government maintains the ratings system in other countries, this is not the case in the U.S. This is the role of the MPAA. However, This Film Is Not Yet Rated has revealed the high level of inefficiency and accountability at the organization. In a bid to improve on these areas, creating a government-owned film board that would assume the oversight role of the MPAA would help to ensure that the organization remains accountable to its various stakeholders.
Consumer education to increase consumer protection
Consumer education would go a long way in enabling consumers to make informed choices about which movie, film, or documentary to watch. In addition, consumer education would mean that consumers are more enlightened about their rights in terms of having a say in the content to which they are exposed. For example, the documentary, This Film Is Not Rated Yet has highlighted that the MPAA is more tolerant of violent films than films with sexual content. In this case, consumer education would empower parents and other stakeholders to recognize that the MPAA's film rating system is flawed and as such, they should take matters into their own hands in terms of censuring what films their children watch.
Works Cited
Eagan, Daniel. This Film Is Not Yet Rated. Sep 1, 2006. Web. 08 June 2017.
McCarthy, Todd. Review: 'This Film Is Not Yet Rated' January 26, 2006. Web. 08 June 2017.
Dick, Kirby. Rated R for ridiculous. Los Angeles Times, January 24, 2007. Web. 09 June 2017.
This Film Is Not Yet Rated. Dir. Kirby Dick. IFC Films, 2006. Documentary film.
