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.
