The Hays Code in Film Noir Essay Example
The Hays Code in Film Noir
The Motion Picture Production Code, commonly known as the Hays Code, was adopted in March 1930, though it was not truly enforced until four years later in 1934. This set of rules had tremendously influenced the way Hollywood movies were made for a number of years. This code was based on the ethics and norms if that time. There were three main principals of the Hays Code. The first was no picture shall be produced that will lower the moral standard of those who see it. What was meant by this was that sympathy should not be portrayed towards crimes, wrongdoings, evil or sins. The second stated that only a correct standard of living could be presented that are only subject to the requirements of drama and entertainment. Lastly, was that the law could not be ridiculed whether it be natural or human and if so it should not create sympathy in spite of it. In addition to the general principles there were twelve particular applications of the code. Both had additional reasoning supporting the preamble of the code as well. The first five applications that I feel were the most influential on film noir in regards to meeting the standard, touch on the subjects of crimes against the law, sex, vulgarity, obscenity and profanity.
Many feel that The Hays Code had a negative impact on movies made under its authority at the time. Part of this is because it restricted audiences from coming up with their own interpretation of the films and did not give the option for people to reject suggestions made by movies and directors. The goal of the writers of the code was to use the power of social influence to provide a common morality for society as a whole, in turn reaching a mass amount of individuals. The rationality behind this seems as if the intention was good but in reality it presented a sort of propaganda of the time. Not only did this play a role in movie making but politics as well. Examples that can be looked at as similar in conception to The
The Motion Picture Production Code, commonly known as the Hays Code, was adopted in March 1930, though it was not truly enforced until four years later in 1934. This set of rules had tremendously influenced the way Hollywood movies were made for a number of years. This code was based on the ethics and norms if that time. There were three main principals of the Hays Code. The first was no picture shall be produced that will lower the moral standard of those who see it. What was meant by this was that sympathy should not be portrayed towards crimes, wrongdoings, evil or sins. The second stated that only a correct standard of living could be presented that are only subject to the requirements of drama and entertainment. Lastly, was that the law could not be ridiculed whether it be natural or human and if so it should not create sympathy in spite of it. In addition to the general principles there were twelve particular applications of the code. Both had additional reasoning supporting the preamble of the code as well. The first five applications that I feel were the most influential on film noir in regards to meeting the standard, touch on the subjects of crimes against the law, sex, vulgarity, obscenity and profanity.
Many feel that The Hays Code had a negative impact on movies made under its authority at the time. Part of this is because it restricted audiences from coming up with their own interpretation of the films and did not give the option for people to reject suggestions made by movies and directors. The goal of the writers of the code was to use the power of social influence to provide a common morality for society as a whole, in turn reaching a mass amount of individuals. The rationality behind this seems as if the intention was good but in reality it presented a sort of propaganda of the time. Not only did this play a role in movie making but politics as well. Examples that can be looked at as similar in conception to The