This Film Is Not Yet Rated is an independent documentary that takes a look at the MPAA and how it shapes the American film industry. What the filmmaker found was unabashed bias for large studio films, zero oversight and accountability, and a disturbing preference for violence over human sexuality.
In the film one of my favorite directors, Jamie Babbit, is interviewed and discusses homophobia (my words, not hers) in the MPAA and how gay parents aren’t represented by this so-called parents’ organization. Other filmmakers go on to assert the MPAA is anti-women, choosing to allow films depicting gratuitous violence against women, but giving an NC-17 rating to scenes where woman experience pleasure in bed.
In related news, Jack Valenti, lobbyist and essentially the founder of the MPAA has died. From the LA Times:
Jack Valenti, the urbane Washington lobbyist who served as Hollywood’s public face for nearly four decades and was best known for creating the film ratings system, died Thursday afternoon, according to Warren Cowan, his longtime friend. He was 85.
