Film censorship is the practice of evaluating a film’s content and imposing limitations on its release for social, moral, or religious correctness. Censorship is a tool used by governments and other groups to limit the spread of false or damaging information or to shield the public from it. This article will investigate the evolution of cinema censorship, the various forms it has taken, and the ways in which it has affected the film business and broader culture.
At a Glance
- History of Censorship in films
- What are the different types of censorship?
- Impact on the film industry
- Type of Censorship in new films
- The use of the Hays Code for Censorship
History of Censorship in films
Censorship of movies has been around since the dawn of the film industry when governments and moral organisations saw the potential of the new medium. In the United States, the film material is governed by the Motion Picture Production Code or Hays Code, which was enacted in 1930. The MPPDA maintained a rigorous code that limited how sexuality, violence, and other taboo subjects may be shown on screen. A new rating system, established by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), took its place in 1968, but the code remained in use until that year.
Censorship of motion pictures has been an ongoing problem not just in the United States but in many other nations as well. Censorship laws are used to regulate the release and content of films in many nations, usually to uphold a predetermined set of political or social values. It is a kind of political control employed by totalitarian governments to suppress opposition or advance their own ideology.
What are the different types of censorship?
Movies can be subjected to a wide variety of censoring regulations. For example:
More from Film Theory
The British Documentary Movement
Explore the rich history of British documentary filmmaking and its impact on culture, politics, and societal change.
Screen Theory: Understanding the Visual Language of Cinema
Screen theory serves as a multifaceted framework that dissects the language, structure, and aesthetics of cinema. While the casual viewer …
Subjective Cinema: The Art of Personal Perspective in Film
Cinema is a medium that allows us to experience stories from countless perspectives, often transporting us into the minds of …