Ashley Dyson
Part 1 Assumptions about film and entertainment
In this section, it tells how theatrical motion pictures are regarded as entertainment only. And as entertainment, it can either be harmful or helpful to people. Entertainment can be helpful to people when it intends to improve the human race. It can be harmful when degrading humans. There is a huge moral importance when this form of entertainment can enter immediately into the lives of men and women. The code then compares theatrical motion pictures to art, books, newspapers, and plays. In regards to art is seen as important when lifting humans to higher levels. This is portrayed by good music, great paintings, and poetry. It is seen as morally evil through the portrayal of unclean art, indecent books, and suggestive drama. In relation to books, books describe and film vividly presents to the public. Film reaches eyes and ears and presents a reproduction of actual events. The same goes for newspapers. In regards to plays, films have a much larger audience than a play. In conclusion because of films popularity, vividness, appeal, and presentation, there are larger moral responsibilities for motion pictures.
I feel that the code is looking out for the best interest of the people, but it is not upholding the rights for the first amendment. I think that if someone has a problem with the content of the movie, they shouldn’t watch it. If they do, then it’s their problem.
Part 2 General Principals
In this section, it tells how no motion picture should be produced which will lower the moral standards of those who see it. Evil should not be made to look attractive and alluring. Sympathy from the audience should not be towards that of the evil. Motion pictures should make the audience feel that evil is wrong and good is right. Movies should show the correct standards of life. Through this it builds character and develops high ideals in the audience. The law in motion pictures should not be ridiculed and the court system should not be presented as unjust.
I think how people view movie has to do with their upbringing. If they were not taught what is right and what is wrong then they are highly likely to be confused by what they see in the movies. Children for example are highly likely to imitate things they see in movie or television because they are still in their learning process. Again, when a parent sees what a movie is about they should make the choice whether or not it is acceptable for their children’s eyes.
An example in Scarface are the scenes of corruption of law officials which were cut. The code states that there should be no scenes which reflect poorly on the government and the court system. Mrs.Camonte’s feelings towards her sons gang activity is also a part of this code. This is because she disapproves of his lifestyle. Even if he has fancy cars, money, and clothes, it is considered evil and wrong to his mother.
Part 3 Reasons Underlying Particular Applications Preliminary
In this preliminary to the section it talks about sin and evil. Sin and evil are part of life so they can be used in film as dramatic material. But if used, it must be distinguished between sin which repels by its nature, and sins which often attract. It also says there is a careful distinction between film for the general public and film for a limited audience. This is in regards to adult only material and other film. Adult only material could be handled by the minds that are more mature can understand the subject matter without it causing harm to them. There was no such film separation back then though.
I don’t know what to say about this part. They want the sin and evil in movies to appear to be unattractive again. They also say that “adult only” movies can only be handled by those of a mature mind. This seems like a sort of rating system. But they didn’t even have different movie theaters for limited audience and general public.
Reasons Underlying Particular Applications
In this section it just lists a bunch of things you cannot do in films because it is morally wrong. Teaching crime and making criminals seems heroic is not justified. Revenge is not justified. Drug trafficking shall not be presented in any form. Liquor should never be excessively presented. In regards to sex, a love triangle should not be represented in regard for the sanctity of marriage. Impure love is wrong and should not be presented as attractive, or as a subject of comedy. Must not be presented in a way to arouse the audience or make them curious. Vulgarity, obscenity, and profanity are not permitted. Nudity or semi-nudity is not moral. Even thought the nude body is seen as beauty, it is not appropriate for film. Nudity cannot be permitted as necessary for a plot. Dancing is recognized as an art form. Except when the dances suggest sexual actions. In regards to religion, ministers will not be made villains or comical characters in order to keep respect for the minister. Certain locations shall not be seen because they are directly connected to sexual life and sexual sin. The nation is entitled to consideration and respectful treatment in regards to film content. Titles presented must comply with ethical practices. And lastly, repellent subjects should never offend good taste.
This section is pretty much just listing more no no’s in regards to film making. It highlights on costumes, dancing, sexuality, and profanity. Again I think that it is going against the First Amendment. If someone thinks they will be offended by the material in a movie, they should stay at home.
In Scarface, this code comes into play again with the original scripted incest plot between brother and sister. Because of this code, it had to be cut out. But the movie is still open to interpretation of the audience. He could be an overprotective brother or a filthy gangster having incestual relations with his younger sister.
