Reflection

I feel the topic of film censorship is something extremely prevalent in our modern day society. More and more films are being made, and as society progressed as a whole, there are bound to be many issues and talking points arising, thus paving the way for film to head down a more abstract if controversial path.

The media has a crucial role to play in the future of film censorship and classification. I feel that as an industry, film making has evolved over time and generations. This evolution does not only apply to the film makers but to the general public who watch these films as well. It is therefore only appropriate if the media that handles the censorship and classification of movies progress along the cycle of advancement as well. The film industry needs to move forwards as a whole, in order to expand boundaries and explore new levels of public acceptance and classification of society's issues.

In general, we are seeing more constructive film censorship and classification these days, with more countries worldwide finding the positive balance between appropriate censorship in films and preservation of the art of film making; being cautious not to alter or damper filmmakers' work. There is also increase flexibility in classification of ratings, allowing for a more settled movie going experience.

I would like to highlight an important media effects theory which is suitable for application to this situation. The selective influence theory consists of a primary personal selective process. This process has the ability to regulate how one can selectively decide what he or she gains from watching a film, and more importantly, it can also be used by the media in censorship and classification to control how much a film can or is allowed to convey across to the public. The process includes:

- Selective attention or exposure

- Selective perception

- Selective retention

Selection is something which defines this process. Starting off by how much attention and exposure a film can get in the public, which could depend on the level of controversial elements the film contains. The media, through censorship, is able to subsequently decide on limited releases or limited time in cinemas of the film, thus putting a selective cap on its influence.

For people who do get to watch the film, albeit in varying levels of censorship or classification, the information they perceive and choose to retain takes a role of great importance. Differing individuals can watch the same film and take differing opinions and views from it. Perception is a selection, and people have the choice of deciding how they choose to interpret the contents of a particular film. The censorship level and classification ratings can affect this perception to a great extent.

Perception is a very individual oriented form of behavior. Censorship and classification can alter perceptions primarily, but beyond that, watching the same film can also evoke different emotions and opinions. This is an aspect which both the media and the individual have roles to play.

The same can also be said of selective retention. What you choose to bring out of the cinema, or keep with you long after watching a film, is subjective to individuals. No two people will have exactly the same feelings and memory of the same movie. What we retain from films also depends both on the media; how they set the censorship and classification level, and also on your own opinions and thoughts. Selective perception and selective retention go hand in hand.

I feel that overall i do support censorship and classification in film, but only at face value. I understand and accept the important of these in society, and why it is imperative that the media has a control over what films can be seen by who, where and during what time or age group. 

However, I do feel that film making is an art, and art should never be restricted or limited. People should have the freedom and ability to decide what films they want to watch, what films interest them. Film makers should have the discretion to convey their respective messages, through whatever medium of film they wish to and feel it would be best appreciated. 

The sense in censorship cannot be underestimated or misused, but perhaps the greater sensibility would be to advance with society and let freedom take center stage. Censorship and classification should still exist, but in my opinion, their influence should be minimal. It is extremely rare a film comes along with the intention of harming society and creating disruption to peace. Predictions of ill effects are expected among the media, but a common balance needs to be found and implemented.

The role of the media in Censorship and Classification

The media has a big role to play in the level of censorship, and also the classification ratings in films. In Singapore, the Media Development Authority (MDA) sets the classification ratings and ultimately decide which films get which ratings. Their main areas of concern would be the impact certain films will have on certain age groups in the population. In other words, the media has a social responsibility, to ensure films do not have a negative effect on society. The standard classification guideline would be too look out for the following extent of content in a film:

• Violence - The media's endless portrayal against violent acts in society would be affected if the public (especially the youth) cultivate violence as a solution to problems, as depicted in some movies.

• Sex/ Nudity - Over explicit content in films can have an impact in people of all ages, not only children. Sexual content of a great scale is something the media can never allow to be mainstream.

• Language - The use of profanity in dialogue is common in many films. The question the media have to tackle is, "How much is an acceptable level for what age group?" 

• Drug and Substance Abuse - This is an area which could potentially have a big effect on society, the use of illegal substances in film. The media's responsibility is also contributing to the law; stop content from films and television, which could influence society.

• Horror - Perhaps the least severe in terms of social impact, horror and disturbing scenes in any form of media can affect the individual, and again the age factor comes into the equation. 

The responsibility and the effect the media has on censorship and classification cannot be underestimated. Film and television play a big part in our society, and area of which the media in general has a great influence over. 

In this day and age, mass media is something which rarely anyone can be immune to. Movies and television are part of our everyday lives. The onus is on the media, to ensure entertainment on screen, will not transform to ill-effects off it.

Resources:
http://www.mda.gov.sg/Industry/Films/Classification/Pages/ClassificationRatings.aspx
http://filmratings.com/filmRatings_Cara/#/ratings/rules/

Examples of Media's influence in Film Censorship

We will now take a look at 2 films in recent history whose content and nature has caused much debate regarding the media's censorship stands. Coincidentally, both movies are directed by Taiwanese filmmaker Ang Lee.

CASE STUDY 1 - Brokeback Mountain (2005)

The Story:

2 young men, a rancher and a cowboy, meet in the summer of 1963 and form an unorthodox, secretive life-long bond.


The Concerns:
Content of Homosexuality, Scenes of sexual and explicit nature, Scenes with nudity.


The Media's Stand:
Singapore's view on homosexual intercourse is that of an act of gross indecency, punishable by a maximum 2 years in jail. However, after much debate, the nation decided on screening a fully uncut, non censored version of the film in cinemas, only to viewers above the age of 21.
The MDA reportedly allowed the film to be screened as there is "no promotion or glamorization of the gay lifestyle." This was met with widespread praise from all quarters, hailing the move as a sign of loosening censorship, in a previously tightly controlled field.


CASE STUDY 2 - Lust, Caution (2007)

The Story:

In 1940s war-torn Shanghai, a torrid love affair of emotional intrigue begins between a young woman and a powerful political figure.


The Concerns:
Scenes of sexual and explicit nature. Scenes with nudity. Scenes with extreme violence and disturbing content.


The Media's Stand:
Singapore originally released a censored, NC-16 version into cinemas, presumably to allow a wider audience group, thus bringing in more money at the box office. However, after howls of protests from movie-goers and public scrutiny, they relented and proceeded with a limited release of the uncensored version of the film, rated R21.

                                                

Both 'Brokeback Mountain' and 'Lust, Caution' are good modern day examples of films whose content and nature has caused much debate in the media, among censors and movie-goers alike. In both cases, the media and board of censors have had their concerns, but ultimately released uncensored versions of the films, both with an R21 rating classification. 

This goes to further emphasize the point that in the niche media generation, censorship is becoming less prevalent, and classification seems to point the way forward.

Resources:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0808357/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0388795/

http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2006/feb/15/news

http://www.asiamedia.ucla.edu/article.asp?parentid=80646

Censored or Uncensored?

How the media views censorship issues have been a topic of much debate over the years. Censorship has ignited a great deal of controversy and like all things, there seems to be both sides to the story.


Media implementing Censorship? Yes please!

• it protects the moral values that are prevalent in society
• ensures the impact of negative influences from films are limited
• viewers receive messages from films, some of which they need to be protected from

Media Implementing Censorship? No thanks!

• affects the influence and inspiration intended in films
• the true intentions of the film artists, like actors, directors, screenwriters, is not fully conveyed
• how is it that certain people are capable of judging what others are able to see?

The argument over the good and bad of censorship rages in till today. They media have also been contributing factors of this. Plenty of stories circulated in the media have also discussed how useful, or useless censorship is. In an ironic way, the media have been adding fuel to the fire, raising arguments on a concept (censorship) that they themselves help come into prominence.

The following video helps describe some ways in which censorship has become a huge topic in the media, and because of the media.

However, what the media has done which has greatly changed the landscape, is slowly moving from censorship to classification.

Many countries now have a media organization which sets classification ratings for all films, thus giving the public the chance to watch the movies just as the filmmakers intended them to be. Thus, not taking away any creativity or art form which those in the film industry work so hard to showcase to the world. Film classification on the other hand also limits who, can watch what films, and when can they do so. This has been a hugely favorable change and has been viewed by many as a step in the right direction for both film and society. In fact the impact of classification ratings for films has been so great, that some countries, like Singapore has also started to implement such ratings for television programs in free to air channels.

The media's part to play is very straightforward but important. Society demands a fine balance to be struck, something which falls heavily on their shoulders.

Resources:
http://censorship.laws.com/censorship/pros-of-censorship
http://www.movies.com.au/movie-information/movie-classifications/

The importance of Being Censored

Singapore is a country which is seeing its box-office profits rise by the year. Movies are a great part of Singaporean social life and something which many locals turn to as a viable form of entertainment and leisure. It is also rapidly becoming a favorite past-time of many, something which shows no sign of slowing down.

The increasing number of movie goers in our country has placed a greater emphasis on the media to implement film censorship and classification. Parents would definitely not want their children sitting in movies with a high violence, extreme horror or explicit content. Teenagers of a certain age may be old enough to be exposed to a certain amount of profanity in films, but how much is too much? 

As a movie going public we have long been inspired by film, and the magic of movies.We value our movie experience and we want to make sure our money is well spent on films we would prefer, we all want to make the best possible choices, and we certainly do not want to leave the cinema with a bad taste in the mouth.

That is where Singapore's Media Development Authority (MDA) comes  into such vital importance. Their role in the classification and censorship levels of films are the stepping stone and a vital component in ensuring the movie-going public can enjoy the magic of the movies in an appropriate manner. Age constitutes for a lot in life. From childhood, to the teenage years all through to adulthood, our preferences of  movies are sure to vary. And it is the task of censorship and proper classification to ensure we always appreciate film. An industry without proper classification of movies would be disastrous to say the least, and one can only shudder at the possible ill effects that could arise from such a situation. 

The media's role in censorship and classification is greatly emphasized by how it affects it. Over time the media's influence on the issue has continued to grow. So much so that in many countries, Singapore included, it is a media organization that sets the guidelines. 

Movie censorship and classification issues is an area of importance not just in Singapore, but all over the world. And in the coming posts, much will be discussed about how the media's role and take on censorship and classification ratings affect the movie-goers around the world, and the positive and negative impacts of the media's involvements and decisions.

Resources: 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2001/mar/01/artsfeatures.filmcensorship

http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/historyonline/film_censorship.cfm