Stuff You Should Know
SYSK’s Summer Movie Playlist: How the MPAA Works
· Summarized
Key takeaways
- The MPAA's movie rating system is administered by anonymous individuals, leading to debates about fairness and transparency.
- The evolution of film ratings reflects broader societal changes and the increasing complexity of content in films.
- Critics argue that the MPAA disproportionately targets language and sexual content while being lenient on violence.
- As digital platforms evolve, the MPAA's relevance may decline, raising questions about the future of film ratings.
Summary
Understanding the MPAA and Movie Ratings
The discussion revolves around the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and the secretive nature of how movie ratings are assigned in the United States. The hosts explain that the rating system (G, PG, PG-13, R, and NC-17) is determined by a small group of anonymous raters who assess films based on content standards that are not public. The MPAA serves as a lobbying entity for the six major Hollywood studios, raising questions about bias and transparency in the rating process.
Historical Context of Film Ratings
The podcast delves into the history of film ratings, tracing back to the Hays Code, which dictated moral standards for American films. The Hays Code was replaced in the late 1960s by the current MPAA system due to societal changes and legal shifts concerning obscenity and censorship. The adoption of the PG-13 rating was driven by specific incidents involving popular films, leading to a need for a mid-level rating to cater to audiences.
Critiques of the MPAA System
The hosts critique the MPAA's focus on certain aspects of films, noting that violence is often deemed acceptable while profanity and sexual content are scrutinized more harshly. This inconsistency raises concerns about the impact on viewers and the potential for censorship based on outdated moral standards. The discussion reflects on how filmmakers navigate the system, sometimes manipulating elements of their films to achieve desired ratings.
The Future of Film Ratings and Distribution
With the rise of digital distribution and online streaming platforms, the relevance and power of the MPAA are in question. As more films are released independently and outside traditional theaters, the influence of MPAA ratings may diminish. The podcast highlights ongoing challenges the MPAA faces in combating online piracy while maintaining its lobbying efforts for major studios.
Sponsors
- Black Effect Podcast Network · The OGs of Uncensored Motherhood are back and better than ever. I'm Erica and I'm Meela. And we're the hosts of the Good Mom's Bad Choices podcast, brought to you by the Black Effect Podcast Network every Wednesday.
- Exactly Right Network · On our show, This Podcast Will Kill You, we explore the wild world of diseases, their history, biology, and impact today. New episodes drop every Tuesday on the Exactly Right Network.
- How Stuff Works · Welcome to Stuff You Should Know from HowStuffWorks.com.
- Opportunity at Work · Find resources for breaking through barriers at tetherpapersilling.org.
- iHeart Podcast · This is an iHeart Podcast.
Show notes
You may be surprised to learn those ubiquitous ratings, from G to NC-17, put on movies in America are actually handed down by anonymous employees of a secretive organization that serves as a lobbying firm for Hollywood's six biggest studios.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Follow this show on AudioBrevity and new episodes get summarized for you. Create a free account