How Movie Ratings Are Determined Before Release

Introduction

The decision of how a movie will be rated, and consequently how it will be marketed and viewed, is a crucial aspect of the film industry. This process is often shrouded in secrecy and can greatly impact a movie's reception and success. In this article, we will explore how movies are rated before they hit the theaters, focusing on the role of the MPAA and the various factors that influence this decision.

The Role of the MPAA

The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) is one of the organizations responsible for assigning movie ratings in the United States. Established in the 1960s to replace the Hays Code, the MPAA has a standard rating system: G, PG, PG-13, R, and NC-17. The rating process is designed to provide guidance to parents and viewers about a movie's content, ensuring that those with potentially objectionable material are aware.

Submitting for Rating

To obtain a rating, a producer, studio, or distributor submits a copy of the intended release print of the film along with a fee. This submission is crucial as it marks the starting point for the movie's journey through the rating process. Once the film is submitted, a committee within the MPAA reviews it and engages in a discussion to determine which category best fits the movie's content, tone, and intention.

Factors Influencing Movie Ratings

Content

The content of a movie plays a significant role in determining its rating. Elements such as violence, gore, sexuality, nudity, and cursing are all factors that the MPAA considers. For instance, a scene showing bared breasts can result in a higher rating if it is viewed as sexual, but a less stringent rating if it is deemed non-sexual due to context. Other factors include the intensity of violence, the explicitness of sexual content, and the overall moral tone of the film.

Intention and Context

The intention behind a scene and the broader context of the movie are also important. For instance, a close-up of a woman's bare breasts in a protest scene might receive a less strict rating compared to the same shot in a sexual context. Similarly, documentaries or anthropological studies showing nudity might receive a lower rating due to their educational or cultural significance.

The Rating Process

The MPAA committee members discuss the film and its content in detail, considering all the relevant factors. After this discussion, the committee members vote to assign a rating. Producers have the right to appeal the decision and make edits to the film if they believe a new rating would be more appropriate. They can resubmit the film for a new rating.

The Studio's Role

The studio has a significant influence on the rating process. Movie studios are aware of the MPAA's tendencies and can strategically choose to include certain elements that are likely to push the movie to a specific rating. Alternatively, they can commit to editing and resubmitting the film until they achieve the desired rating. This process can involve multiple rounds of revisions, ensuring that the final product meets their rating goals.

Understanding Movie Ratings

Movie ratings are not just about the content but also about the impact it has on viewers. People often become excited when a highly anticipated movie receives an R rating because it suggests mature themes, sexual content, or violence. However, a high rating does not necessarily mean a better movie. It simply indicates a higher degree of content that is deemed inappropriate for younger audiences.

Conclusion

Understanding how movie ratings are determined isn't just about knowing the categories; it's about comprehending the complex interplay of content, context, and intention that goes into each decision. The MPAA's system, though shrouded in some mystery, provides a framework for guiding viewers in making informed choices about the films they wish to see.