Smoking Will Play Role In Movie Ratings

MPAA Says Tobacco Use Could Lead To A More Adult Rating

(AP)  Smoking will be a bigger factor in determining film ratings, the Motion Picture Association of America said Thursday, but critics said the move does not go far enough to discourage teens from taking up the habit.

MPAA Chairman Dan Glickman said his group's ratings board, which previously had considered underage smoking in assigning film ratings, now will take into account smoking by adults, as well.

That adds smoking to a list of such factors as sex, violence and language in determining the MPAA's G, PG, PG-13, R and NC-17 ratings.

Film raters will consider the pervasiveness of tobacco use, whether it glamorizes smoking and the context in which smoking appears, as in movies set in the past when smoking was more common.

Some critics of Hollywood's depictions of tobacco in films have urged that movies that show smoking be assigned an R rating, which would restrict those younger than 17 from seeing them.

"I'm glad it's finally an issue they're taking up, but what they're proposing does not go far enough and is not going to make a difference," said Kori Titus, spokeswoman for Breathe California, which opposes film images of tobacco use that might encourage young people to start smoking.

Glickman said a mandatory R rating for smoking would not "further the specific goal of providing information to parents on this issue."

Smoking in movies with a G, PG or PG-13 rating has been on the decline, and the "percentage of films that included even a fleeting glimpse of smoking" declined from 60 percent to 52 percent between July 2004 and July 2006," Glickman said.

Of those films, three-fourths received an R rating for other reasons, he said.

"That means there's not a great amount of films in the unrestricted category as it stands," said Joan Graves, who heads the ratings board. "We're not saying we're ignoring the issue. We're trying the best way possible according to what we've learned from parents to give them information about what's in a film."

Titus said smoking in films had declined in recent years but remains more prevalent than MPAA figures indicate.

Descriptions on sex, violence and language that accompany movie ratings now will include such phrases as "glamorized smoking" or "pervasive smoking," Glickman said.

If rated today, a film such as 2005's "Good Night, and Good Luck," about chain-smoking newsman Edward R. Murrow, would have carried a "pervasive smoking" tag but probably would have retained its PG rating because of its historical context in the 1950s, Graves said.

Titus said film raters should be as tough on smoking as they are on bad language to minimize the effects of on-screen smoking on children, including her own 5-year-old daughter.

"I don't want her using that language, but last time I checked, she's probably not going to die from that," Titus said. "If she starts smoking from these images she sees in movies, chances are she's probably going to die early from that."

While Titus' group wants tougher ratings restrictions, the MPAA released statements of support for its plan from John Seffrin, chief executive officer of the American Cancer Society, U.S. Sen. Joe Biden and filmmaker Rob Reiner, among others.

"By placing smoking on a par with considerations of violence and sex, the rating board has acknowledged the public-health dangers to children associated with glamorized images of a toxic and lethal addiction to tobacco," Barry Bloom, dean of the Harvard School of Public Health, said in a statement.

[tmliddle]

Ok, so when do we start with Hollywood's glamorization of alcohol? This is just getting rediculous. They have grabbed onto something and are totally taking it way over the limit. More teens are drinking alcohol than smoking for heavens sakes so deal with that for a change!

[djberson]

Not that people even pay attention to movie ratings anymore, but... give me a break. How about all the drinking/narcotics in movies? Or speeding in cars? Or putting saccharine in coffee?

[retmilspouse]

Puhleeeeeeez! Give me a break. Its just the movies for pete's sake. Hollywood gives themselves way more credit than they deserve. I love the movies, but its just a movie people.

[gramto7]

I wonder how many of the people complaining about smokers appearing in films are buying their children vidoe games that teach them to kill people, steal cars, etc. I think that there is as much or more likelihood in those games affecting the kids as seeing a cigarette in a film.

[rushman71]

It was always pictured before that the guy smoking a cig was the cool, good guy. Today, he is the evil villain. That's Hollywood for ya.

[drivelphobe]

Why not just eliminate smoking from all films? Nothing makes a person less appealing than the stench of tobacco on their breath, hair, and clothes, not to mention the yellowish-orange tongue. The most attractive actors/actresses become totally disgusting as soon as they light up on screen. I feel sorry for the non-smoker who has to have a romantic scene with anyone who has to take a break to cough up some nice, orange phlegm. How nice!

[re_evolve]

What is she doing taking her 5 year old to a non G movie anyway?

[retmilspouse]

What is she doing taking her 5 year old to a non G movie anyway?
Posted by re_evolve at 09:50 AM : May 11, 2007

Read again. Ms. Titus didn't say she took her daughter to any movie. She just used her as an example to make her point. Her group is working to get the MPAA to adjust the ratings to include smoking in the criteria for the ratings.

[retmilspouse]

What is she doing taking her 5 year old to a non G movie anyway?
Posted by re_evolve at 09:50 AM : May 11, 2007

Read again. Ms. Titus didn't say she took her daughter to any movie. She just used her as an example to make her point. Her group is working to get the MPAA to adjust the ratings to include smoking in the criteria for the ratings.

[preacherbob1]

I agree that a good cigar is on the par with wild and passionate ***. Well, maybe a bit better, but a cigarette afterwards --now that is as good as it gets.

[retmilspouse]

What is she doing taking her 5 year old to a non G movie anyway?
Posted by re_evolve at 09:50 AM : May 11, 2007

Read again. Ms. Titus didn't say she took her daughter to any movie. She just used her as an example to make her point. Her group is working to get the MPAA to adjust the ratings to include smoking in the criteria for the ratings.

[preacherbob1]

Looks like all the DO GOODERS are out to protect the kids from ADULT stuff. Parents, keep your kiddies away from my stuff - - I won't play with their teddy bears. I promise.

[rohink-2009]

I heard a story about a couple of children that told on another child for stealing a pack of cigarettes. They told on him, not for stealing, mind you, but, because they were afraid he would smoke them and die of cancer. Scary isn't it? Peoples priorities and what the "authorities" are doing all in the name of what's best for us is messing this world up......

[shortyinmo]

Get over it. There is smoking everywhere and has been for years. People in movies and television use to smoke all the time. And there is plenty of DRINKING to go around.

Hey, lets all just stop going out in public where we might be offended by someones language or smoking or dress or music. Personal responsibility!!!!! Don't take your kid if you don't like it. There are too many people who can't or won't get baby sitters and then take their kids to see things like Saw, 300, and so on. I have seen it. Smoking is the last thing you should worry about when your kid is watching decapitation. (or drunken, just met you ***)

[trillion1]

This is totally NUTS! If they are truly concerned about the health effects then rate movies for the cars and trucks. Smog is deadly and it's not from cigarette smoke. I applaude non-smokers like Tucker Carlson who see this for what it really is. A handful of fanatics taking away choice and freedoms.

[mrcpukinblue]

Titus said. "If she starts smoking from these images she sees in movies, chances are she's probably going to die early from that."

C'mon now..."If she starts [driving] from these images she sees in movies, chances are she's probably going to die early from that."

Or..."If she starts [swimming] from these images she sees in movies, chances are she's probably going to die early from that."

Or..."If she starts [eating sushi] from these images she sees in movies, chances are she's probably going to die early from that."

Where does it stop?

See Ya...wouldn' wanna Be Ya.

[retmilspouse]

shortyinmo,
So true. I had a friend make her first visit to the USA from Germany for Christmas 2006 and she just had to go see Black Christmas. I am not into that genre of movie but I went with her. It was awfull but she loved it. There was a couple sitting behind us with 3 children and the youngest was about 3 years old. He started crying and the dad told him "to get over it!" I was furious and my German friend asked if that was normal for Americans to take small children to these types of movies. Of course I told her no but it was a very embarassing event.

[retmilspouse]

shortyinmo,
So true. I had a friend make her first visit to the USA from Germany for Christmas 2006 and she just had to go see Black Christmas. I am not into that genre of movie but I went with her. It was awfull but she loved it. There was a couple sitting behind us with 3 children and the youngest was about 3 years old. He started crying and the dad told him "to get over it!" I was furious and my German friend asked if that was normal for Americans to take small children to these types of movies. Of course I told her no but it was a very embarassing event.

[retmilspouse]

shortyinmo,
So true. I had a friend make her first visit to the USA from Germany for Christmas 2006 and she just had to go see Black Christmas. I am not into that genre of movie but I went with her. It was awfull but she loved it. There was a couple sitting behind us with 3 children and the youngest was about 3 years old. He started crying and the dad told him "to get over it!" I was furious and my German friend asked if that was normal for Americans to take small children to these types of movies. Of course I told her no but it was a very embarassing event.

[retmilspouse]

shortyinmo,

Sorry about repeats publish button is stuck again!

[ralan40]

If a kid decides to take up smoking based soley because he saw it somewhere, then shouldn't EVERYTHING they are exposed to be called into question? If that is the case, we have much bigger problems in store than kids seeing people smoking. It is the parent's responsibility to control the environment their kids are interacting with

[ralan40]

If a kid decides to take up smoking based soley because he saw it somewhere, then shouldn't EVERYTHING that kid is exposed to be called into question? If that is the case, we have much bigger problems in store than kids seeing people smoking. I'd say the problem lies with the dumb kid who copies everything he sees and not what he sees. It is the parent's/guardian's responsibility to control the environment their kids are interacting with, not anyone else.

[obicera]

None of my friends, family or colleagues smoke. It just isn't that prevalent anymore. So when smoking is so forced in a movie scene it really is a turn off. Other than for historical depictions there is no reason actors have to smoke. None. The character portrayed would be just (I argue more) believable without smoking. The only reason they do smoke is an attempt to legitimatize smoking in society and as free advertisement for tobacco companies.

[trillion1]

It probibly didn't occur to some of the fanatics but perhaps an actor smoking on screen actually smokes in real life! And if you think some studio is going to tell an actor like DeNiro,or Willis or Washington they can't smoke on screen to keep you happy you're in for a shock.

[abbykerns]

That is ridiculous. I mean if every movie that featured smoking got an R rating, movies like 101 Dalamatians would be R. Why??? Just because Cruella has to light up. This is ludicrous.

[dylanxxv]

obicera...I bet your also the type that makes a scene and starts gagging and whining for them to put their cigarettes out as well?

[dylanxxv]

I'll bet you peeps that are complaining about on screen smoking are the ones that alway's do your fake gagging routine and then start whining about how smokers pollute "YOUR" air...

[dylanxxv]

why doesn't this work?

[rmsdm4]

Hey why don't we get ambulance chaser edwards to sue hollywood for their roll in causing people to smoke. Edwards may be useful after all.

[toolmangler-2009]

Its ok to drink, do drugs, beat people up but God help you if you light one up, they will drag your addicted butt outside into the weather (what ever it is at the time) and double dare you do protest.



ssssshhhhhheeeeeeeeeessssshhhhh!!!!!!


BTW, I do not smoke.

[toolmangler-2009]

Its ok to drink, do drugs, beat people up but God help you if you light one up, they will drag your addicted butt outside into the weather (what ever it is at the time) and double dare you do protest.



ssssshhhhhheeeeeeeeeessssshhhhh!!!!!!


BTW, I do not smoke.

[avigil2]

Kids aren't going to be deterred by a simple rating. Stupid kids will continue to smoke because they still think it's "cool" and/or they see their trashy parents do it. The MPAA has too much of a strong hold on movies. Boycott the MPAA!!!!

[sparkelbutt-2009]

Get of the tobacco kick. Leave the smokers alone for a change. The movies have more drug use, more alcohol use, and very foul language then they do tobacco.
I am appalled by the fact that out big movie industries and our elected officials can be bought by special interest groups.

[michellem99-2009]

Thats what the remote is for. We can't sanitise every thing. In real life people smoke,I don't, people drink,I don't, People cuss,I do some,.
I think they should work on the violence that are in them.There is far more of that. We know smoking is bad. The beatings,killings,abuse and the like is very bad and they need to clean that up first. The young think that is cool. I do feel the booze/beer ads should be banned just as smoke ads were in 1970.

[joelewinski]

Stupid is, as stupid does. Self-Control people. Do not impose more useless rules and regulations.

[joelewinski]

Stupid is, as stupid does. Self-Control people. Do not impose more useless rules and regulations.

[joelewinski]

Stupid is, as stupid does. Self-Control people. Do not impose more useless rules and regulations.

[grammawhamma]

I am a smoker...a polite one. I was at a nearly empty casino in the smoking section. I was sitting there minding my own business, smoking as I played a slot machine in a far corner. An elderly man sat down right next to me, even though there were many slot machines of the same kind available elsewhere, and he proceeded to instantly complain about my smoke. I know there are rude smokers out there but what about all the rude non smokers. Enough is enough!! Movies depict life and tell a story...what if the movie plot is about someone dying of lung cancer from smoking. Parents need to teach kids right from wrong...not just hide the wrongs from the kids.

[mo005]

I smoked for almost thirty years. I quit last year. I don't care much for the smoke blown straight into my eyes, but It doesn't bother me to bad. I can see stopping smoking in resturants, and buildings. Just about everywhere except in bars or baseball or football arenas. I think it should be up to the bar owners to say if you can or can't smoke in a bar, not some friggin politician trying to score points.

[SamThornton]

I'm so ticked off by this I had to light up. M-m-m-m-m. Smokey things.