1930 Motion Picture Production Code Made Better Films
English 105/11.50-12.40
October 11, 2010
Chilton
The Code that Got Away: Why the 1930 Motion Picture Production Code Made Better Films
What makes a good movie? An engaging plotline, talented actors and actresses; perhaps a happy ending? Movies have always been an important part of American culture; of course, they can entertain us but they can also hold up mirrors to society, raising awareness about issues we need to pay attention to, and help us form opinions. But it’s getting harder and harder to find good movies in current theaters. Current films are being made in an age where almost any movie can pass as a good one, not necessarily due to talent or skill, but due to the weakening of the standards we once held our films up to. The 1930 Motion Picture Production Code gave filmmakers a set of guidelines that let only the most talented films reach audiences; it provided audiences with quality films that didn’t have to sacrifice artistry for explanation or lean on pointless vulgarities to catch audiences’ attentions; it acted as a filter that allowed only the finer-made films to be shown to the people who loved them and kept coming back to see them. The 1930s film code was the superior code because it gave the public superior films.
The …show more content…
Some have even carved niches in the film industry thanks to the advantage they take of the freedom allotted to them by the 1968 code. Writer and director Judd Apatow is a prime example of one of these filmmakers. Apatow’s trademark as a director includes the excessive use of profanity, vulgar jokes, and marijuana use. While these elements may be prominent in the age group that gets the most enjoyment out of Apatow’s films, the frequency with which they are portrayed in the films can feel forced; they are added to force emotion out of the audience; they aren’t necessary. The film would still be understood, if not be better, without
October 11, 2010
Chilton
The Code that Got Away: Why the 1930 Motion Picture Production Code Made Better Films
What makes a good movie? An engaging plotline, talented actors and actresses; perhaps a happy ending? Movies have always been an important part of American culture; of course, they can entertain us but they can also hold up mirrors to society, raising awareness about issues we need to pay attention to, and help us form opinions. But it’s getting harder and harder to find good movies in current theaters. Current films are being made in an age where almost any movie can pass as a good one, not necessarily due to talent or skill, but due to the weakening of the standards we once held our films up to. The 1930 Motion Picture Production Code gave filmmakers a set of guidelines that let only the most talented films reach audiences; it provided audiences with quality films that didn’t have to sacrifice artistry for explanation or lean on pointless vulgarities to catch audiences’ attentions; it acted as a filter that allowed only the finer-made films to be shown to the people who loved them and kept coming back to see them. The 1930s film code was the superior code because it gave the public superior films.
The …show more content…
Some have even carved niches in the film industry thanks to the advantage they take of the freedom allotted to them by the 1968 code. Writer and director Judd Apatow is a prime example of one of these filmmakers. Apatow’s trademark as a director includes the excessive use of profanity, vulgar jokes, and marijuana use. While these elements may be prominent in the age group that gets the most enjoyment out of Apatow’s films, the frequency with which they are portrayed in the films can feel forced; they are added to force emotion out of the audience; they aren’t necessary. The film would still be understood, if not be better, without