Beyer bays for BBFC board’s blood
John Beyer has responded to an article in the Daily Mail (sub required to read, so only Mediawatch-UK link) which called for the naming of the BBFC film censors who gave War of the Worlds a 12A rating. Jumping on the bandwagon along with Conservative MPs Theresa May and Mike Penning, Beyer said:
The Board’s decision on War of the Worlds shows again that the time really has come for a complete overhaul of the way films are classified.
It is not known whether the smut-campaigning Black and White Minstrels Fan’s opinion is based on having actually seen the film, but according to the IIDB the 12A classification seems to be pretty much in line with the rest of the world’s assessment.
As the Melon Farmers point out, the BBFC are actually very open and transparent, and more than willing to give reasoned responses to any of their decisions – though not to expose individual members to public pillory at the hands of the gutter press. So what is the hysteria all about? Surely not a call for tighter governmental controls and stricter censorship? Oh, hang on…
The A in 12A stands for Advice (or advisable, not quite sure). The BBFC issues advice with all 12A certifications (and with some PGs), which in this case reads “Contains sustained menace, threat and moderate horror” This makes it quite clear to parents that they might not want their kids to see the film.
If under 12s are seeing this film it is the fault of their parents, or of the cinemas, not the fault of the BBFC.
The “A” can also stand for “accompanied” and this classification only applies to cinema, not to DVDs. It means that under 12s can only see the film in the cinema, if accompanied by an adult.
No-one younger than 12 may see a ‘12A’ film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult.
From the BBFC guidelines:
”
No-one younger than 12 may rent or buy a ‘12’ rated video or DVD. Responsibility for allowing under-12s to view lies with the accompanying or supervising adult.
”
The film on a DVD would be classified as a 12, and no person under that age, would be allowed to buy the DVD.
The censorship brigade clearly do not know what they are talking about.
Sorry, the BBFC guidelines should read:
“No-one younger than 12 may see a ‘12A’ film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult. No-one younger than 12 may rent or buy a ‘12’ rated video or DVD. Responsibility for allowing under-12s to view lies with the accompanying or supervising adult.”
The issue with Beyer and the Daily Mail is not what classifications the BBFC is giving films but the type of films the BBFC is giving classifications to altogether.
The BBFC has pisssed off Mediawatch and the Daily Mail by passing for release such films as Crash, Lolita and Le Baise Moi.
If Mediawatch and the Daily Mail had their way these films would have never seen the light of day.
Mediawatch and the Mail hold a grudge against the BBFC for not adhering to their houlier than thou standards. This is why they take the chance to bash them at every opportunity.
It was no scarier than an episode of Dr Who and less violent than an episode of Eastenders( but just as dumb though). I presume these people have actually seen the film.
“If Mediawatch and the Daily Mail had their way these films would have never seen the light of day.”
If I had my way, Mediawatch and the DailyMail would no longer see the light of day.
Where do you stand on censorship, freedom of speech and open debate, Shaun?