This Film Is Not Yet Rated
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This Film Is Not Yet Rated

This Film Is Not Yet Rated offers an in-depth look at the Motion Picture Association of America’s (MPAA) rating system and its impact on American cinema. Directed by Kirby Dick, it sheds light on the secretive process behind film ratings and the controversies surrounding it.

The film presents a critical analysis of the MPAA’s rating board, highlighting alleged disparities in how they evaluate studio productions versus independent films, as well as their treatment of violent content compared to sexual content. It also raises questions about the board’s approach to heterosexual and homosexual content, and whether they favor depictions of male or female pleasure.

One of the most intriguing aspects is its investigation into the identities of the MPAA ratings and appeals board members. Using private investigator Becky Altringer, the filmmakers attempt to unmask these individuals, whose anonymity has long been maintained by the MPAA. This effort reveals surprising information about the board members, including that many have children over 18 or no children at all, contradicting the MPAA’s claim that they only hire parents with children between 5 and 17 years old.

The documentary includes interviews with various filmmakers whose work has been affected by MPAA ratings. Directors such as John Waters, Mary Harron, Darren Aronofsky, Kevin Smith, Matt Stone, and Atom Egoyan share their experiences and frustrations with the rating process. These personal accounts provide insight into the practical implications of the MPAA’s decisions on filmmakers’ creative freedom and commercial prospects.

This Film Is Not Yet Rated also discusses the appeals process for MPAA ratings, revealing that the appeals board is composed mainly of movie theater chain and studio executives, with two members of the clergy also included. It questions the transparency and fairness of this appeals system.

The film incorporates numerous clips from NC-17 rated movies to illustrate the type of content that typically receives this restrictive rating. Interestingly, this led to the documentary itself receiving an NC-17 rating from the MPAA. The filmmakers included footage of their own rating process and appeal in the final cut of the documentary.

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