Is Movie Language Finally Getting More Civilized?

Posted on August 14, 2017 at 8:00 am

Language has been steadily deteriorating in movies since the introduction of the MPAA ratings system replaced the Hayes Code in 1968. It used to be no f-words in a PG-13, then one was okay, and now two, as long as they do not refer to sex. As I have said before, you’d need a degree in semiotics to parse that one. And movies like the “Austin Powers” series get away with using a sound-alike, “frickin.” Studios have been known to add one or two strong words just to avoid the PG rating because they think tweens and teenagers won’t see PG films.

Now a Harris poll suggests that movies may start moving away from four-letter words.

The Hollywood Reporter writes:

Using “Jesus Christ” to swear is the biggest offense, with 33 percent of the general public saying they’d be less likely to see a movie if they knew beforehand of that particular piece of dialogue. “Goddam” was second at 32 percent and “f***” was third with 31 percent.

Some of the awards seasons biggest films have no strong language. If they are successful at the box office, we may see this become a trend.

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Commentary

Breitbart Documentary Delayed Over Dispute with MPAA on the F-Word

Posted on October 10, 2012 at 9:28 am

A new documentary, “Hating Breitbart,” has delayed its release as the producers argue with the MPAA Ratings Board over the “f-word.” According to the Hollywood Reporter, the film about the late conservative provocateur and internet mogul Andrew Breitbart was originally given an R for language that includes various epithets and the use of the f-word by and about the controversial new media pioneer. They removed many of the f-words used by other people, leaving in four f-words used by Breitbart, and resubmitted the film, but were unable to persuade the ratings board to give them a PG-13. Director Andrew Marcus told the Hollywood Reporter, “I scrubbed everybody else’s use of the word except for four by Andrew, because it’s essential to who he was. He was passionate, and he wasn’t polished.” They cited other PG-13 films that had strong material as precedent, but the MPAA has always resisted appeals based on ratings given to other movies. Marcus says he will release the film next week with an R-rating if he is unable to get a PG-13.

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Understanding Media and Pop Culture

MPAA Willing to Consider Banning the F-Word in PG-13 Movies

Posted on August 18, 2011 at 10:52 am

I have consistently criticized the MPAA for allowing the F-word in a PG-13 movie. It used to be limited to one non-sexual use of the term but now they allow it more than once in some PG-13s. It makes no sense at all. Either the word is acceptable for young children or it is not. Movie studios are cynical in manipulating the MPAA to get the rating they think will sell the most tickets. So they will throw a bad word into an otherwise-acceptable film so it won’t get a “babyish” PG rating.

Today I am quoted in a new piece in the Huffington Post by Glenn Whipp of AP about the use of the F-word in PG-13 movies.

“Allowing it once or twice just doesn’t make sense to me,” Minow says. “The word is something you’re OK with a child hearing or you’re not. And, still, in 2011, I’d argue that it’s outside the safety zone for children.”

The MPAA’s Joan Graves responded that she is open to revising the rules to prohibit the F-word if she hears from parents who object. If the language in PG-13 movies bothers you, get in touch with her at:

Joan Graves
MPAA Ratings Board
15301 Ventura Blvd., Building E
Sherman Oaks, California 91403
(818) 995-6600

filmratings@mpaa.org

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Understanding Media and Pop Culture