In the least surprising news of the days, the timid prudes at the MPAA think the sight of Fassbender’s penis in Shame is more traumatic than seeing a bare-breasted girls get scalped and sliced in half in Piranha 3-D. (Imagine the MPAA seizures if Shame was in 3-D.)
Fox Searchlight president Stephen Gilula has the right attitude:
“I think NC-17 is a badge of honor, not a scarlet letter. We believe it is time for the rating to become usable in a serious manner. The sheer talent of the actors and the vision of the filmmaker are extraordinary. It’s not a film that everyone will take easily, but it certainly breaks through the clutter and is distinctive and original. It’s a game changer.”
Sasha adds: And for your reading pleasure, a paragraph describing the movie Saw, which garnered an R rating:
Two men wake up at opposite sides of a dirty, disused bathroom, chained by their ankles to pipes. Between them lies a dead man loosely clutching a hand-held tape player and a handgun. Each finds a tape the perfect fit for the player in their back pocket. They play the tapes. One is threatened, the other isn’t. But they have a task: One must kill the other by 6:00, or his wife and daughter will die. They find hacksaws in a toilet, and try to cut the chains, but it doesn’t work. They are the two newest victims of the Jigsaw Killer. In a flashback, we learn of Amanda, a girl who falls victim to the Jigsaw Killer. On her head is a mask, which is hooked into her lower jaw. There is a timer on it. Only one key will unlock it, and that key is in the digestive tract of her cell mate who lies paralyzed on the opposite side of the room. If she doesn’t unlock the mask in time, her lower jaw will be ripped wide open
It’s interesting, this rating. In the past the rating was deadly because Newspapers wouldn’t advertise it and Blockbuster wouldn’t stock it. But since both newspapers and Blockbuster are on track to be used confusingly in the next Malick film, I wonder if it matters. Sure, moany theaters won’t play it, but how many were going to anyway? Not sure about the state of art films in the world at large, but don’t most cities have an independent art film theater to air this film.
And, it’s not like people should be afraid of advertising this film on the internet, not unless they don’t want the film to get lost among all of the Fleshlight ads.
It’s interesting, this rating. In the past the rating was deadly because Newspapers wouldn’t advertise it and Blockbuster wouldn’t stock it. But since both newspapers and Blockbuster are on track to be used confusingly in the next Malick film, I wonder if it matters. Sure, moany theaters won’t play it, but how many were going to anyway? Not sure about the state of art films in the world at large, but don’t most cities have an independent art film theater to air this film.
And, it’s not like people should be afraid of advertising this film on the internet, not unless they don’t want the film to get lost among all of the Fleshlight ads.
(And right now Oldman looks the most vulnerable. Buzz seems to be waning; he needs more press.)
(And right now Oldman looks the most vulnerable. Buzz seems to be waning; he needs more press.)
Michael Fassbender will be the Michelle Williams/Blue Valentine of this year.
Michael Fassbender will be the Michelle Williams/Blue Valentine of this year.
“Silent films had a place in the Oscars…80 years ago.”
Not only does that statement suck, so does it’s math.
“Silent films had a place in the Oscars…80 years ago.”
Not only does that statement suck, so does it’s math.
What about Life of Brian when Brian opens the windows nude and is flapping in the breeze? That was only an R.
What about Life of Brian when Brian opens the windows nude and is flapping in the breeze? That was only an R.
All right, let’s all stop beating around the bush! Let’s get down to what we all really want to know…how big is it?
Ha! but in all seriousness folks this won’t affect the film like at all. It’s not like they planned a wide release for this film, right?
All right, let’s all stop beating around the bush! Let’s get down to what we all really want to know…how big is it?
Ha! but in all seriousness folks this won’t affect the film like at all. It’s not like they planned a wide release for this film, right?
Let’s not give up. Fox Searchlight managed big nominations for Black Swan, a sensual thriller about a ballerina who’s apparently turning into a swan, and 127 Hours, a horror movie that nobody wanted to see because of the so-talked-about arm cutting. The studio overcame that and both earned Best Acting, Editing and Picture nominations.
Let’s not give up. Fox Searchlight managed big nominations for Black Swan, a sensual thriller about a ballerina who’s apparently turning into a swan, and 127 Hours, a horror movie that nobody wanted to see because of the so-talked-about arm cutting. The studio overcame that and both earned Best Acting, Editing and Picture nominations.
@ Ryan (deleted scene from It Happened One Night)
Actually, I think that sequence is from the porn version of IHON – I recognize the set used for The King’s Speech.
@ Ryan (deleted scene from It Happened One Night)
Actually, I think that sequence is from the porn version of IHON – I recognize the set used for The King’s Speech.
steve50, “popular films that critics like, too” is different from “must appeal to the masses”. The former is what I wish an Oscar BP winner would pick from. A BALANCE between critic kudos and moviegoer acceptance.
steve50, “popular films that critics like, too” is different from “must appeal to the masses”. The former is what I wish an Oscar BP winner would pick from. A BALANCE between critic kudos and moviegoer acceptance.
I wish Blue Valentine would have dome the same. Its not like that movie was gonna make a bunch of money anyways.
I wish Blue Valentine would have dome the same. Its not like that movie was gonna make a bunch of money anyways.
The thing with NC17 wouldn’t be so troublesome if films like Hostel didn’t get a pass with R. Or if straight sex and gay sex (or love) were seen equally.
Personally, I think the cartoonish PG13-violence is the worst kind. Better show the aftermath, too.
Personally, I think the cartoonish PG13-violence is the worst kind. Better show the aftermath, too.
Same way I feel about PG-13 sex. Show me the aftermath!
The thing with NC17 wouldn’t be so troublesome if films like Hostel didn’t get a pass with R. Or if straight sex and gay sex (or love) were seen equally.
Personally, I think the cartoonish PG13-violence is the worst kind. Better show the aftermath, too.
Personally, I think the cartoonish PG13-violence is the worst kind. Better show the aftermath, too.
Same way I feel about PG-13 sex. Show me the aftermath!
So, I’m just writing down the criteria for a BP nom based on these posts: number one is “must appeal to the masses,” number 2 is “must not show dick”, number 3 is “must have sound,”. . . . what is this – 1931?
“number one is “must appeal to the masses,” number 2 is “must not show dick”, number 3 is “must have sound,”. . . . what is this – 1931? “
ha! steve50. exactly.
deleted scene from It Happened One Night.
So, I’m just writing down the criteria for a BP nom based on these posts: number one is “must appeal to the masses,” number 2 is “must not show dick”, number 3 is “must have sound,”. . . . what is this – 1931?
“number one is “must appeal to the masses,” number 2 is “must not show dick”, number 3 is “must have sound,”. . . . what is this – 1931? “
ha! steve50. exactly.
deleted scene from It Happened One Night.
Silent films had a place in the Oscars…80 years ago. It would be a throwaway BP nomination better served going to Super 8 or Bridesmaids.
Silent films had a place in the Oscars…80 years ago. It would be a throwaway BP nomination better served going to Super 8 or Bridesmaids.
Damn, Dujardin better kiss his ass goodbye, too. Afterall, the American public has no idea who he is and that is obviously the only relevant criteria.
Damn, Dujardin better kiss his ass goodbye, too. Afterall, the American public has no idea who he is and that is obviously the only relevant criteria.
“if he gets nominated, it will feel like a vindication for a clear uphill battle. If not, the general consensus would be that he was robbed and that his omission was solely due to the MPAA’s backward thinking.”
The 1% vs. the 99%. The latter will say ‘WTF’ if he does somehow get cited, and not even bat an eyelash if he doesn’t make the cut.
“if he gets nominated, it will feel like a vindication for a clear uphill battle. If not, the general consensus would be that he was robbed and that his omission was solely due to the MPAA’s backward thinking.”
The 1% vs. the 99%. The latter will say ‘WTF’ if he does somehow get cited, and not even bat an eyelash if he doesn’t make the cut.
“This just goes to show that the MPAA only looks at the surface level of a film. SHAME does not use sex gruitously: yes, it’s explicit, but with a purpose.”
In fact, this rating serves to elucidate the film’s purpose. We’re a culture obsessed with sex because we are so infantilized about it. It’s there at our fingertips 24/7, yet we can’t even discuss it with one another.
“This just goes to show that the MPAA only looks at the surface level of a film. SHAME does not use sex gruitously: yes, it’s explicit, but with a purpose.”
In fact, this rating serves to elucidate the film’s purpose. We’re a culture obsessed with sex because we are so infantilized about it. It’s there at our fingertips 24/7, yet we can’t even discuss it with one another.
What’s the quote by Jack Nicholson? ‘Show a tit, you get an R-rating. Cut one off, it’s PG-13’?
Not much of a surprise, but at least Fox Searchlight is standing by the film. The only thing more disastrous than an NC-17 would have been a recut.
This just goes to show that the MPAA only looks at the surface level of a film. SHAME does not use sex gruitously: yes, it’s explicit, but with a purpose.
What’s the quote by Jack Nicholson? ‘Show a tit, you get an R-rating. Cut one off, it’s PG-13’?
Not much of a surprise, but at least Fox Searchlight is standing by the film. The only thing more disastrous than an NC-17 would have been a recut.
This just goes to show that the MPAA only looks at the surface level of a film. SHAME does not use sex gruitously: yes, it’s explicit, but with a purpose.
I don’t think you can argue that art house obscurity is taking over the Best Actor category when the three biggest front-runners are Clooney, Pitt and DiCaprio.
I don’t think you can argue that art house obscurity is taking over the Best Actor category when the three biggest front-runners are Clooney, Pitt and DiCaprio.
See, folks, the Oscars have a public relations problem with mainstream moviegoers. They believe the deck is stacked against popular films that critics like, too (Inception, Avatar, Dark Knight) in favor of arthouse stuff. That the latter will always have the inside edge on getting major Oscar loot. Do they really want to risk the wrath of that audience by going rogue (or going full Last Tango in Paris/Midnight Cowboy) and actually nominate Fassbender whose performance is now guaranteed to be seen by 1 or 2% of said public? The Oscars’ ratings dropped 10% in total audience and 13% in the demo for a reason. They’re saying they’re tired of the brick ceiling that applies to genre films.
It’s just that this is happening in the worst year of filmmaking in quite some time. You may wind up with an all-arthouse-a-palooza in every category. That’s why this award season is going to be Movie-geddon. A train wreck of Herculean proportion.
See, folks, the Oscars have a public relations problem with mainstream moviegoers. They believe the deck is stacked against popular films that critics like, too (Inception, Avatar, Dark Knight) in favor of arthouse stuff. That the latter will always have the inside edge on getting major Oscar loot. Do they really want to risk the wrath of that audience by going rogue (or going full Last Tango in Paris/Midnight Cowboy) and actually nominate Fassbender whose performance is now guaranteed to be seen by 1 or 2% of said public? The Oscars’ ratings dropped 10% in total audience and 13% in the demo for a reason. They’re saying they’re tired of the brick ceiling that applies to genre films.
It’s just that this is happening in the worst year of filmmaking in quite some time. You may wind up with an all-arthouse-a-palooza in every category. That’s why this award season is going to be Movie-geddon. A train wreck of Herculean proportion.
It’s a European film, we don’t mind penises = uncut (yes, pun intended).
It’s a European film, we don’t mind penises = uncut (yes, pun intended).
@Tero, I soundly agree. Only in America can a film kill off a truckload of CGI extras and get away with a PG-13 rating but Lord forbid anyone shows a nipple. Gotta love the MPAA.
On a non-satirical note, I give a hearty golf-clap to Fox Searchlight, Fassbender, and McQueen for keeping the film as it is.
Also, @christiannnw–this a serious question–how much more extremely graphic sexual activities (albeit brilliantly lit ones) could “Shame” have gotten away with before people started to refer to it as smut?
@Tero, I soundly agree. Only in America can a film kill off a truckload of CGI extras and get away with a PG-13 rating but Lord forbid anyone shows a nipple. Gotta love the MPAA.
On a non-satirical note, I give a hearty golf-clap to Fox Searchlight, Fassbender, and McQueen for keeping the film as it is.
Also, @christiannnw–this a serious question–how much more extremely graphic sexual activities (albeit brilliantly lit ones) could “Shame” have gotten away with before people started to refer to it as smut?
Am sure that FS anticipated the rating, and hope that they will manoeuver their marketing accordingly, so that Shame successfully resonates with its intended audience. In any case, Fassbender emerges the winner (rightfully so): if he gets nominated, it will feel like a vindication for a clear uphill battle. If not, the general consensus would be that he was robbed and that his omission was solely due to the MPAA’s backward thinking.
Am sure that FS anticipated the rating, and hope that they will manoeuver their marketing accordingly, so that Shame successfully resonates with its intended audience. In any case, Fassbender emerges the winner (rightfully so): if he gets nominated, it will feel like a vindication for a clear uphill battle. If not, the general consensus would be that he was robbed and that his omission was solely due to the MPAA’s backward thinking.
WTF? This was expected. FOX Searchlight won the bidding war for the film with the express agreement that McQueen would leave it untouched. I don’t see how this changes anything with prognosticators between yesterday and today.
WTF? This was expected. FOX Searchlight won the bidding war for the film with the express agreement that McQueen would leave it untouched. I don’t see how this changes anything with prognosticators between yesterday and today.
Well, it was nice knowing you, Mr. Fassbender. Thanks for playing. Please check your award/nomination hopes on the boulevard of broken dreams and exit stage left.
Well, it was nice knowing you, Mr. Fassbender. Thanks for playing. Please check your award/nomination hopes on the boulevard of broken dreams and exit stage left.
“On the contrary Jonathan, this NC-17 rating, which is appropriate – I saw it and love it, will only push Fassbender’s name out there to those who matter and he will get the nomination. ”
Bingo. FOX Searchlight is going to publicize the HELL out of this rating, you can bet your ass on it.
“On the contrary Jonathan, this NC-17 rating, which is appropriate – I saw it and love it, will only push Fassbender’s name out there to those who matter and he will get the nomination. ”
Bingo. FOX Searchlight is going to publicize the HELL out of this rating, you can bet your ass on it.
LOL @ executive saying ‘game changer’ there is probably an executive handbook out there updated every year that gives them new terms to appear legitimate and hip.
LOL @ executive saying ‘game changer’ there is probably an executive handbook out there updated every year that gives them new terms to appear legitimate and hip.
I am sure the Human Centipede did earn an NC-17! Great of Fox Searchlight to stand behind the movie and great for Fassy and Steve McQueen not to compromise. I am sure I can’t wait to see it.
I am sure the Human Centipede did earn an NC-17! Great of Fox Searchlight to stand behind the movie and great for Fassy and Steve McQueen not to compromise. I am sure I can’t wait to see it.
(Imagine the MPAA seizures if Shame was in 3-D.)
HA! Just noticed this. Their glasses would steam up and they would probably award a PG.
(Imagine the MPAA seizures if Shame was in 3-D.)
HA! Just noticed this. Their glasses would steam up and they would probably award a PG.
“A bunch of idiots guzzling horse spunk in Jackass 2 = R-rating.
Man trying to overcome sex addiction = NC-17”
I agree – the ratings system is a joke, always has been a joke, and always will be a joke. Without going on a tirade about violence vs sex/nudity, I hope the NC17 will be treated as a badge of honor. The people that skip seeing Shame as a result probably wouldn’t understand it, anyway (half would pass out during the first scene!)
This can be a benefit to Fassbender – you can’t buy the amount of publicity this is going to generate. There’s a reason he has that “shit-eatin” grin on his face in those pics posted here yesterday. With 4(?) roles this year, plus BA talk, plus this, he’s just getting on the gravy train.
“A bunch of idiots guzzling horse spunk in Jackass 2 = R-rating.
Man trying to overcome sex addiction = NC-17”
I agree – the ratings system is a joke, always has been a joke, and always will be a joke. Without going on a tirade about violence vs sex/nudity, I hope the NC17 will be treated as a badge of honor. The people that skip seeing Shame as a result probably wouldn’t understand it, anyway (half would pass out during the first scene!)
This can be a benefit to Fassbender – you can’t buy the amount of publicity this is going to generate. There’s a reason he has that “shit-eatin” grin on his face in those pics posted here yesterday. With 4(?) roles this year, plus BA talk, plus this, he’s just getting on the gravy train.
I didn’t think the sexual content of the film warranted a NC-17 rating. On the contrary, I thought the film wasn’t graphic ENOUGH, with the exquisitely lensed photography often at odds with Brandon’s increasingly depraved behavior.
The threesome scene towards the end was screaming for f/64. Ansel Adams, where art thou!?
I didn’t think the sexual content of the film warranted a NC-17 rating. On the contrary, I thought the film wasn’t graphic ENOUGH, with the exquisitely lensed photography often at odds with Brandon’s increasingly depraved behavior.
The threesome scene towards the end was screaming for f/64. Ansel Adams, where art thou!?
On the contrary Jonathan, this NC-17 rating, which is appropriate – I saw it and love it, will only push Fassbender’s name out there to those who matter and he will get the nomination. His acting and his physical performance in Shame is outstanding, regardless of the film’s rating, the man surpassed all expectations of this role.
When his name is called out on Oscar nomination morning, people will be applaud and he will continue to be the talk of the town.
While I am not shocked by the rating, I do find the MPAA a bunch of cowards who need to rate violent films with the NC-17 as easily as they have rated Shame.
On the contrary Jonathan, this NC-17 rating, which is appropriate – I saw it and love it, will only push Fassbender’s name out there to those who matter and he will get the nomination. His acting and his physical performance in Shame is outstanding, regardless of the film’s rating, the man surpassed all expectations of this role.
When his name is called out on Oscar nomination morning, people will be applaud and he will continue to be the talk of the town.
While I am not shocked by the rating, I do find the MPAA a bunch of cowards who need to rate violent films with the NC-17 as easily as they have rated Shame.
Derp!>?
Derp!>?
A bunch of idiots guzzling horse spunk in Jackass 2 = R-rating.
Man trying to overcome sex addiction = NC-17
One of these movies is a guaranteed hit at the weekend box office. It’s all about the $$$, not some concern for content. Oh, and there goes Fassbender’s shot at Best Actor. Thanks, MPAA. Pendejos, the lot of ’em.
A bunch of idiots guzzling horse spunk in Jackass 2 = R-rating.
Man trying to overcome sex addiction = NC-17
One of these movies is a guaranteed hit at the weekend box office. It’s all about the $$$, not some concern for content. Oh, and there goes Fassbender’s shot at Best Actor. Thanks, MPAA. Pendejos, the lot of ’em.
I saw Shame. Yes it certainly does. Very appropriate.
I saw Shame. Yes it certainly does. Very appropriate.
To someone who’s actually seen the film: does Shame actually deserve the NC-17? Or is this a case of Blue Valentine where the MPAA was completely overreacting?
To someone who’s actually seen the film: does Shame actually deserve the NC-17? Or is this a case of Blue Valentine where the MPAA was completely overreacting?
since the film has limited release and will pretty much only be on the radar of mature audiences who are savvy to the film circuit, the rating won’t damage it’s box office one bit.
since the film has limited release and will pretty much only be on the radar of mature audiences who are savvy to the film circuit, the rating won’t damage it’s box office one bit.
Make as many NC-17’s as you can and Blockbuster and the likes must start carrying them uncut. If I would make a serious (low-budget) film there, I would add a few penises just to piss them off. Of course, I would avoid graphic violence – to make a statement.
If you make them for European audiences – first and foremost – you can take these risks. Someone like Todd Solondz is like that.
Make as many NC-17’s as you can and Blockbuster and the likes must start carrying them uncut. If I would make a serious (low-budget) film there, I would add a few penises just to piss them off. Of course, I would avoid graphic violence – to make a statement.
If you make them for European audiences – first and foremost – you can take these risks. Someone like Todd Solondz is like that.
Hey Ryan I kind of liked Piranha 3D! Cannot wait to see SHAME though.
Hey Ryan I kind of liked Piranha 3D! Cannot wait to see SHAME though.
Good call, Fox. This ridiculous way of forcing directors/producers to cut their films has to stop. We often (not always) have to watch the same R-rated versions overseas, too.
What titles have suffered something similar as Eyes Wide Shut?
And yeah, hardcore violence is ok, but simulated sex is not (particularly if it’s same-sex). That’s the weirdest part.
Good call, Fox. This ridiculous way of forcing directors/producers to cut their films has to stop. We often (not always) have to watch the same R-rated versions overseas, too.
What titles have suffered something similar as Eyes Wide Shut?
And yeah, hardcore violence is ok, but simulated sex is not (particularly if it’s same-sex). That’s the weirdest part.
MPAA should be ashamed. Not surprising, but so disappointing.
MPAA should be ashamed. Not surprising, but so disappointing.