Will the British Board of Film Classification pass Lars von Trier's ANTICHRIST uncut?

[McCrutchy]

I know this is only relevant to a certain section of the forum (the UK), but I've always been interested in global film ratings and censorship, and, since for obvious reasons the BBFC is one of them that I understand best, I wanted to take a poll and see who thinks Lars von Trier's Antichrist will ever be seen uncut in the UK. I think everyone can agree that the film will be '18', but the issue is, will it be cut at all for that category, or (and this is very rare nowadays) denied a certificate altogether?

To get an idea of the film's content, read Roger Ebert's expanded review from Cannes.

Now consider this: While this may have been an obvious yes on either cuts or denial some years ago, the BBFCs standards have relaxed significantly within the past ten years. Films like Salo (which had been banned before), 9 Songs, Shortbus, Baise-Moi and Irreversible have all been passed uncut at '18' within the last ten years (9 Songs, Shortbus and Baise-Moi all contain explicit images of real sex, while both Salo and Irreversible contain explicit simulated sexual violence).

[koontz1973]

I would like to think the BBFC would not cut the film as it is what the director intends for us to see and I am looking forward to this film. They will only cut it if they feel the sex/violence does not advance the story. If it is only there for there's sake then they may cut it out. The only film on your list that I have seen is Baise Moi which I have on SDVD, the sex and violence on that film advances the story, even though it is more graphic than most horror/porno films out today in the UK.

[McCrutchy]

UNCUT AT 18!

From bbfc.co.uk

Extended Classification Information (*SPOILER ALERT* Information may include plot details)


ANTICHRIST is an English language drama from director Lars von Trier. It tells the story of a couple trying to come to terms with the death of their young son. After the mother experiences a mental breakdown, they retreat to an isolated cabin in the woods where the child's father, a therapist, hopes to help the mother to confront her fears. The film was classified '18' for strong real sex, bloody violence and self-mutilation.

At '18', the BBFC's Guidelines state that the more explicit images of sexual activity are unlikely to be permitted unless they can be exceptionally justified by context and the work is not a 'sex work'. A 'sex work' is defined as a work whose 'primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation'. It is clear that ANTICHRIST is not a 'sex work' but a serious drama exploring issues such as grief, loss, guilt and fear. The brief images of explicit real sex (sight of a penis penetrating a vagina during a consensual sex scene and sight of the man's penis being masturbated to climax) are exceptionally justified, in this context, by the manner in which they illustrate the film's themes and the nature of the couple's relationship. Their relationship is depicted throughout in a graphic and unflinching fashion, both psychologically and physically. The BBFC has permitted comparable explicit images in a number of previous features at the '18' level (eg L'EMPIRE DES SENS, 9 SONGS, SHORTBUS and Lars von Trier's earlier film, THE IDIOTS) where it has been clear that the purpose of the work - and the individual images in question - is not simply to arouse viewers but to illustrate characters, relationships and themes.

ANTICHRIST also contains two scenes showing violence towards genitals or genital mutilation. In one case, the man's genitals are hit heavily (although this is not shown on screen), resulting in sight of blood in his semen when he ejaculates. In the other case, the distraught woman cuts off her own clitoris using a pair of scissors. This act of self-mutilation is shown in close up, although the image is only on screen for a few seconds. The shot in question exceeds the BBFC's Guidelines at '15', where 'the strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable' and where 'violence may be strong but may not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury'. Even at '18' the BBFC recognises that the scene will be shocking and offensive to some viewers. However, the Board is aware of no evidence to suggest that the viewing of this scene is likely to be harmful to adults. The scene is not presented in an eroticised or attractive manner and is not likely to encourage emulation or arousal. Accordingly, the scene is acceptable at '18' where, in line with the consistent findings of the BBFC's public consultations, the BBFC's Guideline concerns will not normally override the wish that adults should be free to chose their own entertainment, within the law.

The film contains other examples of strong violence, including a scene in which the woman drills a hole through the man’s leg with a bit and brace before bolting a large grindstone to the injured limb. Once again, although the scene exceeds the rubric of the '15' Guidelines, it was not felt to be harmful to adult viewers. The film also contains scenes of strong simulated sex, including female masturbation. These scenes exceed the '15' Guideline test that 'Sexual activity may be portrayed but without strong detail' but are acceptable at the '18' level.

ANTICHRIST also includes a single use of strong language.

This work was passed with no cuts made.

The main spoken language in this work is English.

Directed by Lars Von Trier
The cast for this work includes: Willem Defoe, Charlotte Gainsbourg..

When submitted to the BBFC the work had a running time of 108m 34s.
The running time of this film was calculated from the measured length of 9771+1 ( feet + frames ).

This work was submitted to the BBFC by Artificial Eye Film Co. Ltd .

[dcowboy7]

u forgot the "i could care less" vote box.

[Hep]

Originally Posted by dcowboy7

u forgot the "i could care less" vote box.

I guess he thought that someone who couldn't care less (I'm assuming you meant couldn't care less) wouldn't bother clicking into this thread; you know, because why would they if they don't care?

As for me, I applaud them for the lack of censorship for the various issues given the context of the movie. I will be impressed if we get the same level of understanding in North America.

[McCrutchy]

Originally Posted by Hep

I guess he thought that someone who couldn't care less (I'm assuming you meant couldn't care less) wouldn't bother clicking into this thread; you know, because why would they if they don't care?

As for me, I applaud them for the lack of censorship for the various issues given the context of the movie. I will be impressed if we get the same level of understanding in North America.

Well IFC picked it up for the USA (don't know about Canada) and there are murmurs that they will cut it for their VOD service (then release it uncut on video), but I'm betting it will be uncut at the IFC Center in NYC for the cinema screening. I'll definitely see it there, otherwise, pro-bassoonist already got a note months ago that this was planned for a UK Blu-ray release (it's in UK cinemas from 24 July) before the film even played at Cannes, so I'll just pick that up if I have to.

[quexos]

I'm glad I live on continental Europe where censorship on movies is almost non-existing. I simply cannot understand the reason for some kind of "agency" to decide what I can and cannot view.

Originally Posted by dcowboy7

u forgot the "i could care less" vote box.

FYI the correct expression goes "I couldn't care less"

[luscious]

so will this be released uncut in blu-ray in the US?

[luscious]

Originally Posted by McCrutchy

UNCUT AT 18!

From bbfc.co.uk

It's disturbing that the government is making artistic judgments about what sex is justified in a film ... those judgments should be made by the director, actors, studio, audience ... the govt making them for us is just Orwellian. In my opinion, sex in a film doesn't need to be justified anymore than special effects or music in a film needs to be. It's just an element in the film ... just like any other that can add to the film's enjoyment. Music doesn't advance a story ... it adds to ambience, just like nudity or sex.

[McCrutchy]

Originally Posted by luscious

so will this be released uncut in blu-ray in the US?

Yes, IFC will be releasing it in theaters, VOD and DVD/Blu-ray.

[pEgLeG]

Originally Posted by McCrutchy

Yes, IFC will be releasing it in theaters, VOD and DVD/Blu-ray.

Glad to hear it

[Dubstar]

Originally Posted by McCrutchy

Yes, IFC will be releasing it in theaters, VOD and DVD/Blu-ray.

when?

[McCrutchy]

An interesting article from Slashfilm:
http://www.slashfilm.com/2009/06/14/...e-differences/

Originally Posted by Dubstar

when?

There is no US release date at this time. IFC may be waiting to see how in fares with the UK when it opens there on July 24th.