After reading the Lord-Quigley code proposal, I can understand why the film industry and censors fought a long battle on censorship. The code disapproves of “immoral” actions, violence, sex, sin, and crime in any film. It gives a very detailed outline of what is acceptable and what is not. Some ideas of what the code suggests to be “moral” and “immoral” are a bit extreme. I feel that one’s perception of morality/immorality is simply an individual opinion. The code forces others to conform to their beliefs with no say. I can imagine how frustrating it was for film makers to produce a film under such strict guidelines. Sex, violence, sin and crime are all components of REALITY. We all know it exists, and eliminating it completely, seems unrealistic.
On the other hand, the point in time these regulations were written is a completely different society from today. When I look at it from that perspective, I understand the intentions of the code, and what it was trying to achieve (to some extent). Film was enjoyed by many, and I felt the code’s purpose was to create order and conformity in society. I didn’t agree with film being the only form of media being singled out. If films were to be censored, then books, plays and newspapers should have similar censorship guidelines.
In section VI (“Costume”) under Reasons Underlying Particular Applications, the code stresses the effect of nudity or semi-nudity and how it should not be portrayed in any film. It recognizes the human form as “beautiful,” but is firm with its decision that it “does not make its use in films moral.” The code even went as far as eliminating “translucent material and silhouette” because it was felt that it could be “more suggestive than actual exposure.” In regards to Scarface, there was no nudity, but some questionable scenes that walk a fine line of immorality according to the Lord-Quigley code. Poppy’s costume in the film is an example. When her character is first introduced, we see her dressed in a silk night gown with a large slit up the thigh, as she applies her makeup. Although she is not nude, the gown left little to the imagination, and showed off her sex appeal. The scene where Tony rips Cesca’s dress is another risqué scene. I can understand why the film Scarface received negative criticism by viewers. It’s portrayal of crime, violence, and sex was “immoral” even though it illustrated the world’s reality.
