Film censorship

Definition

Film censorship refers to the practice of regulating and controlling the content of films to ensure they adhere to societal standards, laws, or moral guidelines. In the context of American cinema during the 1960s and 1970s, film censorship underwent significant transformations as filmmakers began to challenge traditional norms, pushing boundaries on what could be shown on screen. This era saw a shift from rigid censorship by external bodies to a more nuanced approach that allowed for greater creative expression and exploration of controversial topics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Hays Code began to lose its influence in the late 1960s as filmmakers started to incorporate more mature themes and explicit content in their work.
2. The establishment of the MPAA rating system in 1968 marked a significant change in how films were censored, focusing more on age-appropriateness rather than outright bans.
3. Filmmakers like Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola emerged during this era, creating iconic films that challenged censorship norms and often included graphic violence and complex narratives.
4. The Supreme Court rulings during this period contributed to a reevaluation of obscenity laws, leading to a broader acceptance of controversial films that might have been censored earlier.
5. The evolution of film censorship in the 1960s and 1970s paralleled broader societal changes, including movements for civil rights, sexual liberation, and anti-war sentiments, influencing filmmakers to tackle previously taboo subjects.

Review Questions

• How did the decline of the Hays Code impact the types of films produced in American cinema during the 1960s and 1970s?
  • The decline of the Hays Code opened up opportunities for filmmakers to explore more diverse themes and complex characters. With less stringent guidelines, directors began to incorporate elements such as graphic violence, sexual content, and social issues into their narratives. This shift allowed for a more honest representation of society and culture during that time, which contributed to the emergence of iconic films that reflected the changing attitudes of audiences.
• Discuss the role of the MPAA in reshaping film censorship practices from the 1960s onwards.
  • The MPAA played a crucial role in reshaping film censorship by introducing a rating system that classified films based on their content instead of outright bans. This system allowed filmmakers more freedom while still providing guidance for audiences regarding age-appropriate viewing. The ratings helped normalize mature themes in cinema while still giving parents and viewers some control over what they watched. As a result, filmmakers were able to push boundaries further while maintaining public accountability.
• Evaluate how societal changes influenced film censorship and content creation in American cinema during this transformative period.
  • Societal changes during the 1960s and 1970s significantly influenced film censorship and content creation. Movements advocating for civil rights, feminism, and anti-war sentiments encouraged filmmakers to address previously taboo subjects like racism, sexuality, and political dissent. These cultural shifts prompted audiences to demand more authentic storytelling, leading filmmakers to challenge existing censorship norms. As societal attitudes evolved towards greater acceptance of diverse viewpoints, film censorship began to adapt as well, allowing for richer narratives that reflected the complexities of modern life.

Related terms

MPAA: The Motion Picture Association of America, an organization that rates films based on their content, effectively replacing the Hays Code and influencing what can be shown in theaters.

Hays Code: A set of industry guidelines established in the 1930s that imposed strict restrictions on the content of films, governing issues like morality, sexuality, and violence until its decline in the late 1960s.

Obscenity Laws: Legal regulations that define and restrict obscene material, impacting the production and distribution of films, particularly those that depict explicit content.