This Film is Not Yet Rated

"This Film is Not Yet Rated" was an investigation into the practices of the MPAA, the organization which assigns film ratings. The director of the documentary examined several films which received NC-17 ratings, and interviewed the directors of these films about their experiences with the MPAA. He also hired a team of female private investigators to try and determine the identity of the members of the secret ratings board. The process of uncovering their identities is interwoven with the interviews with film makers, information on the MPAA and its founder, Jack Valenti, clips from the NC-17 movies, and humorous insight into exactly what constitutes an NC-17 rating (with the help of some anatomically correct cartoons).

The film makes its point very clearly and very effectively. The system of rating films in our country is not only completely out of our control, it is also shrouded in secrecy. The MPAA controls which movies we get to see in the theatres and in advertisements, yet there are no discernible guidelines for the rating system, and no information on the people who do the actual rating. It is also clear that there is a huge bias against sexual content. Extreme violence rarely earns an NC-17 rating, but most types of sexual content will. Whats worse, when a film maker receives an NC-17 they are offered no explicit explanation and given only a vague appeals process which usually offers little hope of a change.

In an ingenious move, the director of the documentary (after securing the identities of the ratings board) submitted his film to the MPAA to be rated. Surprise, surprise, he receives a call to inform him he's received an NC-17 rating. He then enters an appeal and is able to re-enact his experience with the appeals board for the final documentary.

"This Film is Not Yet Rated" was entertaining, but also quite disturbing. It is frightening that the film industry is so tightly controlled by this secretive organization which is headed by a man like Jack Valenti. In our country its okay to watch people being blown up or tortured, but should a film maker dare to include the human body or the female orgasm he/she is suddenly a threat to society. It makes absolutely no sense, but it sure offers a lot of insight into our culture.