Lessons 1 & 2 Reflections

Very interesting start to learning about film classification, here are some interesting things I learned.

• I already knew that the BBFC was responsible for giving films their certificates, but I was interested by the fact that the ratings are not set in stone, and can be overruled by local authorities, who can make the film a lower or higher rating in that area. They can also ban films altogether, but this usually has no effect as people can just jump on a bus to another cinema outside of that area

• That the BBFC are an independent non-governmental body, set up by the film industry as a means of self-regulation without political influence. The government still remains relatively powerless in film regulation, but, as with any independent organisation, the government cann influence them by appointments, legislation etc.

• The role that parents play and how their views affect the guidelines by which films are classified, particularly with regards to 12A films, where it is up to the parents if the film is suitable for their children. An example is The Dark Night, which many parents took their children to see, unaware of the content, and afterwards complained.