you think Hollywood movies are bland now?
They’re about to get a lot blander. David Gritten in The Telegraph:
…
But I’d say: be careful what you wish for. Chinese participation in western productions comes at a cost. Behind the financing money on offer, there are conditions. And those conditions stray beyond the narrow confines of the film industry into politics.
For instance, in order for a western film to be seen in China, its script may need to be modified. Nothing remotely resembling a critique of Chinese life, government or history is acceptable. Politically ‘sensitive’ topics are out of the question. Nudity is frowned upon and some scenes of violence, even though they might be acceptable in the west, would need to be excised.
What’s the big deal about editing out a few scenes? Well, it’s a big deal if the studios decide they’d rather avoid that extra step and just make one movie for the whole planet from the get-go.
And of course, a need to tailor movies for China mean some stories simply won’t get told at all, at least not by the studios:
Be afraid. This is only the beginning.
movie buzz
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RogerBW