The 2000 film adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’ novel, American Psycho, has long been shrouded in controversy, thanks in part to its graphic content and the debate surrounding its rating. Directed by Mary Harron and starring Christian Bale as the psychopathic anti-hero Patrick Bateman, the movie has become a cult classic, with many fans left wondering: is American Psycho NC-17?
A Brief History of the MPAA and the NC-17 Rating
Before diving into the specifics of American Psycho’s rating, it’s essential to understand the context in which it was given. The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) is the organization responsible for assigning ratings to films released in the United States. Founded in 1922, the MPAA initially used a voluntary rating system, which was later replaced by the modern system we know today. In 1990, the NC-17 rating was introduced, intended to replace the X rating, which had become synonymous with pornographic content.
The NC-17 rating is defined as “no one 17 and under admitted,” signifying that a film contains explicit content deemed inappropriate for minors. However, the NC-17 rating has often been misunderstood, leading to misconceptions about its meaning and implications. Many filmmakers and industry professionals have criticized the rating system, arguing that it’s overly restrictive and can unfairly stigmatize certain types of content.
The Rating of American Psycho: A Complex and Controversial History
American Psycho was initially submitted to the MPAA in December 1999, where it received an NC-17 rating due to its graphic violence, gore, and sexual content. The filmmakers appealed the decision, and after some cuts were made, the film was re-submitted and granted an R rating. However, the battle didn’t end there.
In an interview with The Guardian, director Mary Harron revealed that the film’s original cut was significantly more graphic, with several scenes that pushed the boundaries of on-screen violence. Harron stated that she was forced to make concessions to achieve an R rating, which ultimately compromised the film’s artistic vision. The final product, while still violent and unsettling, was toned down from its original incarnation.
The Specific Scenes That Sparked Controversy
Several scenes in American Psycho have been cited as contributing to its NC-17 rating. One of the most Notorious is the “business card” scene, where Patrick Bateman brutally murders Paul Allen (Jared Leto) in a fit of rage. The scene features explicit violence, including a graphic depiction of a skull being crushed with an axe. Another scene that sparked controversy is the ” Chainsaw” sequence, where Bateman dispatches a group of prostitutes with a chainsaw.
Additionally, the film’s sexual content has been a point of contention. The movie features several graphic sex scenes, including a threesome involving Bateman, Evelyn Williams (Reese Witherspoon), and Christie (Cara Seymour). While these scenes are certainly explicit, they are also integral to the film’s exploration of Bateman’s psychopathy and the decadence of 1980s yuppie culture.
The Impact of the Rating on the Film’s Perception and Legacy
The rating controversy surrounding American Psycho has had a lasting impact on the film’s perception and legacy. Many critics have argued that the R rating compromised the film’s artistic vision, toning down its more transgressive elements. This has led some to view the film as a watered-down, commercialized version of Ellis’ novel.
On the other hand, the controversy has also contributed to the film’s cult status. American Psycho has become a staple of midnight movie screenings and horror film festivals, where its graphic content is celebrated by fans. The film’s notoriety has also made it a staple of popular culture, with references to it appearing in everything from music videos to memes.
The Influence of American Psycho on Horror and Transgressive Cinema
American Psycho’s influence can be seen in a wide range of horror and transgressive films. The film’s graphic violence and exploration of psychological trauma have inspired filmmakers like Eli Roth (Hostel) and Rob Zombie (House of 1000 Corpses). The film’s use of satire and social commentary has also influenced films like The Cabin in the Woods and Tucker & Dale vs Evil.
Moreover, American Psycho has paved the way for more explicit and transgressive content in mainstream cinema. The film’s success has shown that audiences are willing to engage with challenging, uncomfortable material, as long as it’s presented in a thought-provoking and well-crafted manner.
The Legacy of American Psycho: A Cultural Time Capsule
American Psycho is more than just a horror film – it’s a cultural time capsule, capturing the excess and superficiality of 1980s yuppie culture. The film’s exploration of toxic masculinity, class, and privilege remains eerily relevant today, offering a scathing critique of American society.
As a cultural artifact, American Psycho has become a symbol of rebellion and transgression, a middle finger to the establishment and its puritanical values. The film’s rating controversy has only added to its mystique, cementing its status as a cult classic.
In conclusion, the question of whether American Psycho is NC-17 is a complex one, mired in controversy and debate. While the film’s final rating was an R, the original cut was significantly more explicit, pushing the boundaries of on-screen violence and gore. The legacy of American Psycho continues to influence horror and transgressive cinema, offering a scathing critique of American society and its values. As a cultural time capsule, the film remains a powerful and thought-provoking work, one that continues to challenge and unsettle audiences to this day.
What was the initial rating given to American Psycho by the MPAA?
The initial rating given to American Psycho by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) was an NC-17. This rating was given due to the film’s graphic violence, strong language, and sexual content. The MPAA felt that the film’s explicit nature was too intense for an R rating, and thus, it was deemed unfit for viewers under the age of 17 unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
It’s worth noting that the NC-17 rating is often seen as a commercial kiss of death, as many theaters and retailers refuse to carry NC-17 rated films. This led to a significant amount of controversy and debate surrounding the film’s rating, with many arguing that it was unfairly targeted due to its satirical and thought-provoking content.
What changes were made to the film to secure an R rating?
To secure an R rating, the filmmakers made several changes to the film, including toning down some of the more graphic violence and sexual content. They also added more black humor and satire to the film, which helped to offset some of the more intense moments. Additionally, the filmmakers made some changes to the film’s sound design and editing to make it feel less intense and more stylized.
It’s worth noting that while the changes helped to secure an R rating, they also changed the tone and feel of the film. Some fans and critics argued that the changes watered down the film’s impact and made it less effective as a satire. However, others felt that the changes helped to make the film more accessible to a wider audience and allowed it to reach a broader range of viewers.
What was the reaction to the film’s initial NC-17 rating?
The reaction to the film’s initial NC-17 rating was largely one of outrage and disappointment. Many fans and critics felt that the MPAA was unfairly targeting the film due to its subversive and satirical content. The decision sparked a heated debate about censorship and artistic freedom, with many arguing that the MPAA was stifling the creative vision of the filmmakers.
The reaction was not limited to the film industry, as many in the media and general public also weighed in on the issue. The controversy surrounding the film’s rating helped to generate buzz and publicity, which ultimately contributed to its success at the box office.
How did the film’s rating impact its box office performance?
The film’s rating had a significant impact on its box office performance. The initial NC-17 rating led to a limited release, as many theaters refused to carry the film due to its explicit content. However, the controversy surrounding the rating helped to generate buzz and publicity, which ultimately contributed to the film’s success.
When the film was re-released with an R rating, it opened on more screens and reached a wider audience. The R rating helped to attract more viewers who may have been hesitant to see an NC-17 rated film. Ultimately, the film performed well at the box office, grossing over $15 million in its opening weekend and going on to earn a cult following.
What message do you think the film’s rating controversy sends to filmmakers?
The film’s rating controversy sends a message to filmmakers that they should be prepared to fight for their creative vision, even in the face of censorship and opposition. It also highlights the importance of standing up for artistic freedom and not being afraid to push boundaries and challenge audiences.
The controversy also serves as a reminder that the MPAA’s rating system is often arbitrary and subjective, and that filmmakers should not be afraid to challenge or appeal decisions that they feel are unfair. By pushing the boundaries of what is considered acceptable, filmmakers can create works that are thought-provoking, subversive, and ultimately, memorable.
What impact did the film’s rating have on its cultural significance?
The film’s rating had a significant impact on its cultural significance. The controversy surrounding the film’s rating helped to generate buzz and publicity, which ultimately contributed to its cult following and cultural relevance. The film’s explicit content and subversive themes sparked a national conversation about censorship, artistic freedom, and the role of film in society.
The film’s rating also helped to cement its status as a taboo-busting, rule-breaking work of art. The controversy surrounding the film’s rating has become an integral part of its cultural significance, and is often cited as an example of the MPAA’s overreach and the importance of artistic freedom.
What legacy does the film’s rating controversy leave behind?
The film’s rating controversy leaves behind a legacy of challenging the status quo and pushing the boundaries of what is considered acceptable in film. It serves as a reminder that filmmakers should not be afraid to take risks and challenge their audiences, and that the MPAA’s rating system is not always infallible.
The controversy also highlights the importance of artistic freedom and the need to challenge censorship and oppression. The film’s rating controversy will continue to be studied and debated by film scholars and enthusiasts for years to come, serving as a powerful example of the impact that a single film can have on the cultural conversation.