Tuesday 14 June 2011

Me and the BBFC...

Much as I am a card-carrying libertarian, I cannot for a moment fake any outrage that the BBFC has refused a classification to 'Human Centipede II'. I will leave aside any issue around their existence and funding. I don't know whether they are right in their view, as I haven't seen the film, nor would I wish to, whether classified or not, and I have no sympathy for anyone deprived of seeing it, as I think there must be something fucked up in your head if you want to see this film, and certainly not for the director, who will probably make a pile more money due to the publicity.

I actually like horror movies, of a certain type. What I rarely appreciate is smart-arsed fuck-wits playing the artist card to justify this kind of loathsome rankness.

8 comments:

Dick Puddlecote said...

Have to disagree, old boy. Only for the fact that if we allow the idea that this should be banned because it is solely for sexual or sadistic pleasure, it kinda resonates with the ridiculous assumption that films can cause real life anti-social or violent behaviour. That road is paved with danger.

I agree that using the art card is fucking pretenntious and that he deserves to lose just for that, mind. ;)

Anonymous said...

Can someone please ban my most excellent book? Go on, it's dangerous, ban it!

James Higham said...

Oh well, that's one to avoid then.

Trooper Thompson said...

Dick,

I think the argument from the BBFC is that it is obscene, that it tends to corrupt, rather than it is entertainment for corrupt people.

As a libertarian, I find myself in the Chesty Puller position, of being surrounded and able to advance in any direction. I shall leave this particular chi-com for others. I think there are many greater threats to our liberty than refusing a certificate to such a film (you may not disagree).

Single,

I suggest sending it to Pastor Terry Jones, I'm sure he'll be happy to burn it for you.

Tippex Monkey said...

This was my response on another blog on the issue:

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I don’t know if it’s been done already but it would be interesting to get statements from the writer, director, actors and financiers explaining WHY they made it.

I agree that censorship is an ugly word in art but I always can’t help but ask the WHY question first. Some controversial films, paintings, photography exhibitions, novels are challenging but they raise questions and challenge people to think differently. But with all this torture porn where is the justification for pushing the boundaries apart from shock and controversy-drenched publicity?
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And some kind soul told me this:

Director of both films Tom Six told Empire Online, “Apparently I made an horrific horror-film, but shouldn’t a good horror film be horrific? … It is all fictional. Not real. It is all make-belief. It is art. Give people their own choice to watch it or not. If people can’t handle or like my movies they just don’t watch them.”

Trooper Thompson said...

It's a good question, TM, why indeed? It's hardly making the world a better place is it?

Ashtrayhead said...

The first film was a bit disturbing but nothing more than any of the 'Saw' series.
But how can you not watch a film when the bad guy's real name is Dieter Laser??

Trooper Thompson said...

Ashtrayhead,

I dare say you're right, but I don't like those movies either. Basically, I don't find torturing people to death entertaining.