This Film Is Not Yet Rated

This Film Is Not Yet Rated, Kirby Dick's 2006 documentary, is a thought-provoking exploration into the mysterious and often arbitrary world of film ratings. Dick's aim is to expose the Motion Picture Association of America's (MPAA) secretive methods, questioning the fairness and consistency of their rating system. As Dick digs deeper, he uncovers a web of inconsistencies, preferential treatment, and even corruption, revealing the lengths to which the MPAA will go to control culture and protect their interests. The documentary begins by highlighting the lack of transparency surrounding the MPAA's rating process. With no clear guidelines, it's left to the individual discretion of each rating board member to decide what film receives a particular rating. This raises concerns about bias, inconsistency, and unfair treatment. Dick interviews rating board members, former employees of the MPAA, and filmmakers who have received inexplicable ratings, adding to the mounting frustration and discontent with the system. One of the most striking aspects of the documentary is the inconsistent handling of sex and violence by the MPAA. Dick highlights examples where films containing explicit violence are given a mild rating, such as the R-rated "American Psycho" (2000), while a film depicting simulated sex, like "The Piano Teacher" (2001), is rated NC-17 (no one under 18 admitted). This disparity raises questions about the MPAA's true intentions and motives. Moreover, Dick discovers that certain studios receive preferential treatment. Major film studios like Warner Bros. and Disney appear to have an easier time getting their films rated, while smaller, independent studios struggle with more restrictive ratings. For instance, the indie drama "The Brown Bunny" (2003), directed by Vincent Gallo, was rated NC-17 for a brief scene of simulated oral sex. Conversely, a more explicit and violent film, like "Sin City" (2005), from a major studio, receives an R-rating. Another aspect of the MPAA's rating system that Dick explores is the way in which they often target independent and foreign films. These films are frequently given harsher ratings than similar American films, which Dick believes is an attempt to suppress their release in the United States. This practice has devastating consequences for the release of these films, leaving them with limited distribution and a smaller audience. As the documentary continues, Dick delves into the history of the MPAA and the roots of its rating system. He examines the influence of conservative groups and politicians on the rating process, revealing the MPAA's susceptibility to pressure from outside forces. The film highlights the 1968 production code, which was eventually replaced by the rating system in the 1970s. However, the code's underlying spirit of censorship and the need to restrict access to certain themes and ideas is still evident in the rating system. Dick also talks to former rating board members and employees, who share their experiences with the rating system's opaque and biased decision-making process. These whistleblowers corroborate Dick's findings, painting a vivid picture of a system that is often arbitrary and motivated more by commercial interests than artistic considerations. Ultimately, This Film Is Not Yet Rated raises important questions about the role of film ratings in shaping our society and culture. By shedding light on the MPAA's secretive and inconsistent methods, Dick challenges the notion that ratings serve any genuine purpose other than to maintain the commercial status quo. The film encourages viewers to think critically about the way in which ratings can affect an artist's freedom to express themselves and the impact on the wider public. Through Dick's in-depth investigation, This Film Is Not Yet Rated exposes the MPAA's rating system as a complex web of biases, inconsistencies, and preferential treatment. By doing so, it not only holds the MPAA accountable for its actions but also calls attention to the need for a more transparent and fair rating system. By shining a light on the secretive world of film ratings, This Film Is Not Yet Rated makes a powerful argument for reform and encourages audiences to think more critically about the role of ratings in shaping our culture.