Should certain subject matter not be used in films

[mordrid]

Was reading the thread about Hard Candy and a comment got me thinking. Is there certain subject matter that should not be used in films? Should film makers avoid subjects such as pedophilia, necrophilia, incest, or other hard line sexual fetishes in film? Is there a line of how far they should go and if there is, what is that line?

[AmericanManiac]

IMO they should show what they want, freedom of speech. If they do decide to use pedophilia they can't show it at all, because that would be labled as "child porn". The examples you used would be a great way for someone to get a lot of attention on their movie, causing controversy, and we all know what that leads to right?

[stubbornforgey]

Originally Posted by AmericanManiac

IMO they should show what they want, freedom of speech. If they do decide to use pedophilia they can't show it at all, because that would be labled as "child porn". The examples you used would be a great way for someone to get a lot of attention on their movie, causing controversy, and we all know what that leads to right?

Exactly.
We have discussed this in length in another thread about children in movies.
The wider public have a zest of things considered taboo and would crowd to see
it put of sheer curiousity.
I say..if it sells tickets..then so be it..just feature the thought of a pedophile but not the actual full act.
That would be totally dangerous.

[bwind22]

This thread is kinda funny because the question has already been answered.

Like AM said, certain things are considered 'child porn' which is (to my knowledge) illegal pretty much anywhere that there are laws. To me, that says that a metaphoric line has already been drawn on this subject so you really just need to go look up the definitions in the child porn laws and you'll have the exact answer to how far society says is "too" far.

Now, personally, I'm a big freedom of speech guy. I think every one should be allowed to say whatever they think or want to say at any particular point in time without someone else trying to tell them they can't say it. That being said, there's something to be said for personal responsibility and for one's own morals as well and what one chooses to say is primarily the deciding factor in what another person thinks of them. Put it this way... As a matter of principle, I think Joe Schmoe Director should be able (free to choose) to make a 90 minute film of a guy fucking kids, corpses, invalids and a few household pets if he so chooses... BUT if anyone actually ever did make that film, my opinion of them would be that they are a sick piece of fuckin' shit that was probably abused and molested as a kid. Does that make any sense? I believe he should have the right to make such a movie, I would just have question the motives and mental condition of anyone that actually chose to exercise that right.

[mordrid]

Sorry if this has been discussed before bwind. I agree with you completely. I was just interested in the opinions of others. I think freedom of speech, I also have freedom of not watching if I do not agree with it.

[bwind22]

Originally Posted by mordrid

Sorry if this has been discussed before bwind. I agree with you completely. I was just interested in the opinions of others. I think freedom of speech, I also have freedom of not watching if I do not agree with it.

I wasn't saying this has been discussed before. Just that a very definitive answer was given right away in the first post. Just an observation. No biggie. Didn't mean to come off sounding like a dick or anything.

[mordrid]

You didn't man. The thing is, there is no definitive answer to the question. It all is based on one's morals and personal beliefs. My wife believes that movies with direct references to certain taboos should not be allowed. I am under the same mindset as you, as long as what they do is not illegal(such as use a real child instead of a younger looking adult), they should be allowed to do so, doesn't mean I need to watch it.

[ferretchucker]

i think necrophilia and paedophilia should be allowed to be used because it's a real issue. It exists so why tip toe around it? Obviously paedophilia can't be properly shown but it can be implied. Like a child being dragged nito a house then screams being heard or such.

[Prey]

It all depends on the mindset of the individual, whether the movie maker or the man in the audience. Then comes choice. If it has a bad effect, scratch it. If its for selective viewing, go for it.

Like for e.g. Irreversible. The movie had such a brutal rape scene that some people d be tempted to try it out on innocent, non-suspecting working women. Some others feel pathetic and bad about it.

Like I was saying, its all in the thinking.

[Kane_Hodder]

I have seen plenty of films depicting the brutality of rape and such. One of the tournaments in here features Jodie Foster who acted in "The Accused" which was such a powerful film centered on the subject.
I cant say for others and their thoughts but every time a rape is enacted on screen, I feel revolted. Give me a hack and slash film involving women (like the Friday the 13th films) and I m more at home, but rapes? Nope they arent my cup of tea.
Well, there are viewers who are touched by such films, others who actually talk that the rape scene was the only reason they watched them, its actually difficult to make a line.
In my opinion, Paedophilia, Necrophilia, incest, rapes etc. all are director-dependent, and how he wants to depict them in the movies.
The Hindi films we have over here in India dont show it all brutal, rather its edited off when the guys circle or grab the woman and then it swings to a nearby wall or door with the woman's shrieks resounding, before the scene is cut to another scene.
The question to be asked is, are you as a viewer touched or sympathetic or pitiful about it? Or do you feel some guilty pleasure while watching such a scene in a film?
The director answers this in his own mind and then shapes the scenes accordingly. And then comes the matter of one's choices, whether you want to see it or not. It again is dependent on the answer to the question above.