NAKED CITY: TO BAN OR NOT TO BAN!

Why should a movie be banned? It’s a question official censors throughout the world have been theorising ever since images were first projected on the silver screen. In Australia we have gone through periods of both strict censorship for film and TV and eras where a more enlightened approach has prevailed. Looking back it’s now hard to believe that the censor once pulled the plug on movies such as John Waters Pink Flamingos and Peter Jackson’s Bad Taste.

These days movies such as the above would hardly raise an eyebrow compared with the onslaught of ultra violent video games and the nastiness that is just a click away on the internet. Indeed many would argue that technology has made official censorship virtually obsolete and banning something simply whets the appetite of those who will eventually access it electronically.

A case in question is the 2011 British-Dutch “body horror” flick The Human Centipede 2 which was originally banned in the UK, but eventually granted an 18 certificate after a staggering thirty two compulsory cuts were made. Once again the butchered version has merely served as a glorified trailer for those looking to source the uncut version, either as an import DVD or a bootleg swapped amongst friends.

In Australia “Centipede 2” is currently under review by the Federal Classification Board, although it has already screened uncut at the Brisbane International Film Festival. Ironically Queensland once led the way when it came to banning movies deemed unfit for the good citizens of the Sunshine State, but times have certainly changed. Despite public protests prior to the BIFF screening Arts Minister Rachel Nolan refused to intervene noting that it was up federal classifiers to approve films.

“This is the new Queensland and the Government and I, as Arts Minister, are not going to be some kind of moral censor,” she said.

In the US the movie premiered at the Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas in September of this year and patrons were given complimentary barf bags. In a William Castle style stunt an ambulance was stationed outside the theatre which proved more than a gimmick when one audience member became violently ill and had to call on the paramdedic to assist her. Maybe she just ate a bad batch of popcorn!. The film has since been released unrated in  the US.

If your appetite has been whet, or you have an interest in the whole question of censorship, The Human Centipede 2 screens this coming weekend at the Mu-Meson Archives with a 10pm preview on Friday 18, followed by the official Sydney premiere on Saturday 19 at 7.30pm including a panel discussion and Q@A with local film writers and critics. Lead actor Laurence R Harvey will make a personal appearance at all screenings. There is also an additional late night screening that night beginning at 10pm. Check out all details at: www.mumeson.org with enquiries on 9517 2010. And bring your own barf bag!