Film Classifications - Mrs Frisender

Film Classifications

BBFC - British Board of Film Classification 

The British Board of Film Classification are the highly expert and experienced regulator of the moving image. They serve a social function to advise and protect viewers from moving images by analysing films and then deciding what certificate they are depending on the content included in the film. They provide public information that empowers them to make appropriate viewing decisions for all different ages of people. Therefore they protect vulnerable viewers and society from effects of viewing content that could be potentially harmful or unsuitable for people of a certain age, but also while respecting adults freedom of choice. 

People argue whether adults should be free to choose what films they wish to watch, however the BBFC believe adults should not have a choice for these three reasons: 

• If the film has broken a law when filming. 
• Where material appears to risk harm to individuals, e.g. illegal drug use or if a film endorses sexual assault.
• If explicit images of sexual activity which cannot be justified by context are incorporated.

However I believe that at the age of 18 adults should have the right to decide what they wish to watch. It should be down to them if they are caused any psychological harm while watching a film. Also at the age of 18 I believe people are mature enough to sit and watch a film and enjoy it and not get any ideas from the explicit things they might see.

Before The Spiderman movie was released in 2002 a fighting scene in the film had to be cut several times so it was be appropriate for a 12A certificate. However people still argued that it was still not suitable for that age group of people, being too explicit for children under the age of 12. To be rated a 12A the film would be able to contain moderate violence providing it was not sustained. However the fight in Spiderman lasts the duration of the 4 minute scene. This means the audience are exposed to a sustained view of violence. Therefore this could influence the younger generation to imitate what the characters do if for example they idolise them and want to be like them.

On the other hand children as young as 12 and under would not pay close attention to details. They would sit and enjoy the film and not dwell on the fact there is violence involved. During the scene injuries and blood are not emphasised therefore not scaring the children or notifying them of the extremes of the fight. The scene is also justified by the context and fits perfectly well with the scene so the children would not be shocked to witness what happens.

However in the scene, Spiderman and the antagonist use weapons and dramatic effect is used during the fighting. This could be dangerous for children as they could pick up the fact their favourite superhero is using a weapon, such as a knife, and think it is acceptable to do so too. This could increase their chances of becoming violent in the future as they have been exposed to it at such a young age and the weapons seem almost glamourised by the characters.  

Conversely the Spiderman film is fiction and is about a superhero, therefore the film is very unrealistic. The iconography used during this fighting scene is unusual. They do not use typical weapons such as knifes, so the children would be unfamiliar with what they are using and consequently it would then not stick in their minds. This therefore would mean that they are able to watch the film without the worry of them potentially copying the characters actions and becoming dangerous.

The certificate for my thriller opening will be a 15 because my opening will not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour. I will be able to use strong threat and menace as long as it is not sadistic and sexualised, and I can also include dangerous behaviour as long as it does not dwell on the details. A 15 certificate is also suitable for my thriller opening as I will include more shock surprise and suspense rather then blood, gore and explicit violence.