This Film Is Not Yet Rated DVD Review

We may have Michael Moore to blame for the latest trend in documentary films, which all seem to be fueled by anger towards a certain group or corporation violating some American right. If Bush isn’t the enemy it may be fast food companies, possibly the gas companies, and definitely the rating board. But what This Film is not Yet Rated has going for it extends far further for film lovers. Along with a brilliant undercover scheme and plenty of trimmed footage from great films, but many of the filmmakers tell fascinating stories about their experiences. Bouncing back and forth between historical examinations in censorship and a plan to expose the corrupt system makes This Film is Not Yet Rated a perfect balance of information and entertainment.

It really becomes an examination of how America looks at sex as opposed to violence. Nearly the entire film is dedicated to sex and nudity in film, which is the main reason that films get the infamous NC-17 rating. This is starkly different than European cinema, but even more importantly are the specifics in what the rating board has a problem with. There is an obvious change in procedure depending on how large the budget is, or even more specifically whether it is a large studio film or not. Where the film seems to get slightly sidetracked is within the examination of how America views gays and lesbians. This is a topic far more sensitive and unfortunately complicated than a film about movies can handle. By choosing lesbian private investigators the film should be no different, and for the most part it isn’t, but scenes in which we get the investigator’s romantic history are unnecessarily off track. In an ideal world acceptance would never even be questionable, but as long as it is the topic would require an entirely different film, much more like The Celluloid Closet.

What seems to be missing from the documentary is an examination of the NC-17 rating. Few would argue that the wide difference between many R-rated films is nonexistent, and an NC-17 rating should never mean that the film is not seen, but sadly many theaters and video stores will not carry an NC-17 film, making it more of a death sentence than a fair rating. Whether you blame the rating board or the discrimination of NC-17 which continues this battle, there is no reason that the board should be kept secret and it is fascinating watching the secrecy behind the system.

The DVD includes a commentary track which is full of more stories about the adventurous shoot and some inside scoops on the interviews with directors. There is also a filmed Q&A with director Kirby Dick at a festival and some deleted scenes. The deleted scenes contain some great additional stories including Kevin Smith talk about his NC-17 rating for Clerks.