Movies shown based on revenues, risk, race
Campus Times
November 13, 1998
Does anyone remember having trouble watching "Pulp Fiction" at
the theaters? The only difficulties were trying to purchase tickets before
they were sold out or trying to find a place to sit in the crowded theater.
Now think of a more recent movie like "Belly," which opened Nov.
4.
The movie was first feature film directed, written and produced by the
man who is known as one of the most innovative music video directors of
our time, Hype Williams. This man has been recognized for producing numerous
music videos. Does it ring a bell? Well, it is also the movie which stars
some of the hip hop industries' most brilliant artists. No Hollywood actors
and actresses, but real people who finally get to act out what they express
in their lyrics.
Still does not ring a bell? Well, this is one of the few movies that
represents life realistically as a world of people on a desperate quest
for money, power and respect.
It would not be a shock if this movie does not sound familiar, being
that it was an obstacle trying to find a theater that would show it. So,
one may ask, why is it being compared to "Pulp Fiction," a movie
that was loved by audiences around the world and won numerous awards? Both
of these movies were rated R, meaning that it was for an adult audience
due to strong violence, language, sexuality and drug use. However, one movie
was played in thousands of theaters nationwide and another was banned from
being seen throughout chains of movie theaters and limited to 600 screens.
The movie was not shown at the Magic Johnson Theatre chain in Los Angeles,
Atlanta and Houston, and various news reports said it was because of its
"negative and violent depictions of African Americans." However,
whoever made this decision failed to recognize that life is not as pretty
and perfect as it is depicted in movies like "Pleasantville,"
with pretty scenery and happy endings. Instead, we are living in a world
with drugs, gangs and killings that cannot be ignored.
People who witness these acts of violence on the news find themselves
asking the same question over and over again, yet never seem to find an
answer to it. Why? A movie like "Belly" finally gives an answer
to that question by going inside the minds of people who have lived such
lifestyles or understand what it is like to live in a manner like that depicted
in the movie.
This leads to the next question of why such a movie would be banned.
If it was because of its violent content and language, then it is not understandable
because "Pulp Fiction" had the same amount of violence.
The reason for banning this movie had a lot more to do with than the
amount of violence. It was more the fact that one movie was created by a
Caucasian male and featured predominantly Caucasian Hollywood actors and
actresses. Then we have Williams, an African-American male who is associated
with the hip-hop industry and features a predominantly African-American
cast. Which movie would be chosen to be shown at the theater with an expectation
to make the most money? It is obvious.
It is sad that a theater would make a decision on whether they would
show a movie based on which movie would create the most amount of revenue.
Basically, if that is what the decisions are based upon then moviegoers
would be denied their right to watch an influential movie that represented
their world, their society and the people with which they live in that society
with.
Shiva Rahimi, a sophomore broadcast major, is managing editor of
the Campus Times. She can be reached by e-mail at rahimis@ulv.edu.
