The United States has a long history of film censorship, with various movies being banned or heavily edited due to their content. While the First Amendment protects freedom of speech, the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and local authorities have consistently pushed for stricter regulations on films deemed too violent, explicit, or subversive. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of banned movies in the US, exploring the reasons behind their prohibition and the impact on the film industry.
The Early Days of Film Censorship
Film censorship in the US dates back to the early 20th century, when movies were still a relatively new form of entertainment. The 1915 Supreme Court case Mutual Film Corporation v. Industrial Commission of Ohio established that films were not protected by the First Amendment, paving the way for state and local governments to regulate their content. The introduction of the Hays Code in 1930 further solidified the MPAA’s role in enforcing strict moral guidelines for films.
The Hays Code: A Strict Moral Framework
The Hays Code, also known as the Motion Picture Production Code, was a set of strict guidelines that governed the content of films produced in the US. The code prohibited depictions of nudity, profanity, and violence, as well as any themes deemed “immoral” or “subversive.” The code was enforced by the MPAA, which would assign a seal of approval to films that met its standards. Without this seal, a film could not be distributed or exhibited in most theaters.
Notorious Films Banned in the US
Over the years, numerous films have been banned or heavily edited in the US due to their content. Here are a few examples:
Freaks (1932)
Directed by Tod Browning, Freaks is a horror film that tells the story of a group of circus performers with physical disabilities. The film was banned in several states due to its depiction of “freaks” and its perceived cruelty. Today, Freaks is considered a cult classic and a pioneering work in the horror genre.
Baby Face (1933)
This pre-Code film, directed by Alfred E. Green, was banned in several cities due to its depiction of a young woman’s rise to wealth and power through her relationships with men. The film’s themes of prostitution and promiscuity were deemed too racy for audiences at the time.
The Outlaw (1943)
Directed by Howard Hughes, The Outlaw is a Western film that was banned in several states due to its depiction of Jane Russell’s cleavage. The film’s promotional campaign, which featured Russell in a low-cut blouse, was also deemed too risqué for audiences.
The 1960s and 1970s: A New Era of Film Censorship
The 1960s and 1970s saw a significant shift in film censorship, with the MPAA introducing a new rating system and the Supreme Court ruling in favor of greater artistic freedom. However, this did not mean that films were no longer being banned or censored.
Midnight Cowboy (1969)
Directed by John Schlesinger, Midnight Cowboy is a drama film that tells the story of a young Texan who travels to New York City to become a gigolo. The film was initially rated X by the MPAA due to its depiction of homosexuality and prostitution. However, the film’s producers appealed the rating, and it was eventually released with an R rating.
A Clockwork Orange (1971)
Stanley Kubrick’s dystopian classic was banned in several cities due to its depiction of violence and rape. The film’s use of the Nadsat language, a futuristic slang, was also deemed too confusing for audiences.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
Tobe Hooper’s horror classic was banned in several states due to its graphic violence and gore. The film’s low budget and raw, documentary-style footage added to its notoriety, making it a cult classic among horror fans.
Modern Film Censorship in the US
While the MPAA’s rating system has become more nuanced over the years, film censorship is still a contentious issue in the US. Many films continue to be edited or banned due to their content, and the rise of streaming services has raised new questions about the role of censorship in the digital age.
The MPAA’s Rating System
The MPAA’s rating system, which includes G, PG, PG-13, R, and NC-17 ratings, is still widely used today. However, the system has been criticized for its subjectivity and lack of transparency. Many filmmakers have complained about the arbitrary nature of the ratings, which can greatly impact a film’s box office performance.
Streaming Services and Film Censorship
The rise of streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime has raised new questions about film censorship. While these platforms have given filmmakers greater creative freedom, they have also been criticized for their lack of transparency and inconsistent content policies.
Conclusion
Film censorship in the US is a complex and multifaceted issue, with a long history of controversy and debate. From the early days of the Hays Code to the modern era of streaming services, the question of what constitutes “acceptable” content has been a contentious one. While some films have been banned or heavily edited due to their content, others have pushed the boundaries of what is considered acceptable, challenging societal norms and contributing to a more nuanced understanding of the world around us.
| Film Title | Year | Reason for Ban |
|---|---|---|
| Freaks | 1932 | Depiction of “freaks” and perceived cruelty |
| Baby Face | 1933 | Depiction of prostitution and promiscuity |
| The Outlaw | 1943 | Depiction of Jane Russell’s cleavage |
| Midnight Cowboy | 1969 | Depiction of homosexuality and prostitution |
| A Clockwork Orange | 1971 | Depiction of violence and rape |
| The Texas Chain Saw Massacre | 1974 | Graphic violence and gore |
In conclusion, the history of film censorship in the US is a complex and multifaceted one, with various films being banned or heavily edited due to their content. While the MPAA’s rating system has become more nuanced over the years, the question of what constitutes “acceptable” content remains a contentious one. As the film industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the issue of censorship is addressed in the years to come.
What is the main reason behind films being banned in the USA?
The main reason behind films being banned in the USA is often due to their content, which may be deemed too violent, explicit, or morally objectionable by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) or other regulatory bodies. This can include excessive gore, strong language, nudity, or themes that are considered taboo or subversive.
In some cases, films may be banned due to their potential to incite violence, promote hate speech, or undermine social norms. The MPAA has a rating system in place to classify films based on their content, and films that receive an NC-17 rating (formerly X-rated) may be subject to limited distribution or even outright bans.
Which film is often cited as one of the most notorious films banned in the USA?
The film “Faces of Death” (1978) is often cited as one of the most notorious films banned in the USA. This mondo film, directed by John Alan Schwartz, features footage of real deaths and violence, which was considered too graphic and disturbing for American audiences.
The film was initially banned in several states due to its explicit content, and it remains a cult classic among fans of exploitation cinema. However, its notoriety has also led to widespread criticism and condemnation, with many considering it to be a prime example of a “video nasty” that has no redeeming artistic or social value.
What is the difference between a film being banned and a film receiving an NC-17 rating?
A film being banned means that it is prohibited from being distributed or exhibited in the USA, often due to its content being deemed too objectionable or subversive. On the other hand, a film receiving an NC-17 rating means that it is restricted to adult audiences only, but it can still be distributed and exhibited in certain contexts.
While an NC-17 rating can limit a film’s commercial viability, it does not necessarily mean that the film is banned outright. However, some films that receive an NC-17 rating may still be subject to censorship or editing to tone down their content, which can affect their artistic integrity and impact.
Can a film be banned in the USA if it is based on a true story?
Yes, a film can be banned in the USA even if it is based on a true story. The MPAA and other regulatory bodies consider the film’s content and its potential impact on audiences, regardless of whether it is based on real events or not.
For example, the film “Men Behind the Sun” (1988) is a Chinese film based on the true story of Unit 731, a Japanese biological warfare unit during World War II. However, the film’s graphic and disturbing content led to it being banned in several countries, including the USA.
How do filmmakers respond to their films being banned in the USA?
Filmmakers may respond to their films being banned in the USA in various ways, depending on their goals and motivations. Some filmmakers may choose to edit or censor their film to comply with regulatory requirements, while others may refuse to compromise their artistic vision.
In some cases, filmmakers may use the notoriety of a ban to generate publicity and attract a cult following. For example, the film “A Clockwork Orange” (1971) was initially banned in several countries due to its graphic content, but it has since become a classic of dystopian cinema.
Can a film be unbanned in the USA after a certain period of time?
Yes, a film can be unbanned in the USA after a certain period of time, depending on changes in social attitudes, cultural norms, or regulatory policies. For example, the film “Ulysses” (1967) was initially banned in the USA due to its explicit content, but it was later re-released in 1971 after the MPAA relaxed its rating system.
In some cases, films may be re-released in a censored or edited form, while others may be re-released in their original, uncut form. The re-release of a previously banned film can provide a new opportunity for audiences to engage with the film and re-evaluate its artistic and cultural significance.
What is the impact of film censorship on artistic freedom and creative expression?
Film censorship can have a significant impact on artistic freedom and creative expression, as it can limit a filmmaker’s ability to express themselves freely and honestly. Censorship can also stifle innovation and experimentation in filmmaking, as filmmakers may self-censor their work to avoid regulatory scrutiny.
However, film censorship can also have a positive impact on artistic freedom, as it can prompt filmmakers to find new and creative ways to express themselves within the boundaries of what is permissible. Ultimately, the impact of film censorship on artistic freedom and creative expression depends on the specific context and the motivations of the filmmakers involved.