Do you ever wonder who the people are who decide the ratings on films? These people are members of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). An incredibly secretive board decide whether or not a movie is G, PG-13, R, and NC-17. I would not personally think that much about a rating because I could care less what a film falls under. If I think a movie looks interesting, regardless of its MPAA rating, I will watch it.

In my opinion, Americans are kind of fearful when it comes to sex and nudity on screen. We can put a bullet through someone’s head, but to show a little pubic hair, you will get slapped with a NC-17. Why is that? What are we so afraid of?

For class this week, we watched the documentary “This Film Is Not Yet Rated.” In this documentary, Kirby Dick exposes the MPAA system. This film is divided into three sections. The largest one we see various filmmakers (Kimberly Pierce, John Waters, and Kevin Smith) revealing the problems they have experienced because of this American ratings board. The second section features the director’s efforts, with the help of his private investigator, uncover the identities of the film raters. In the film, we find out the MPAA members are just ordinary people with families of their own. The last section focuses on Kirby’s own censorship trouble. He sent a rough cut of the documentary to the MPAA, receiving the NC-17, and so we get to see his frustration as he tries to appeal the controversial decision.

I think the best part of the film was getting to know the rules of the game a bit better. Apparently, any kind of “weird” sex is not welcome: oral sex (Boys Don’t Cry), threesomes (The Dreamers and American Psycho), gay sex (Mysterious Skin, Where The Truth Lies, and But I’m A Cheerleader) and female masturbation. Though Jersey Girl is a PG-13 movie, the MPAA almost rated it an R because Liv Tyler talks about. That is ridiculous. No wonder why so many people hate the MPAA.

Another thing I think is interesting is that the NC-17 is only used against sex. No one ever says anything about on-screen violence. Any movie can have the highest body count, and be rated R. If there is no blood, it might even get a PG-13. As people point out, many other countries have exact opposite attitudes.