Censorship in Cinema: The Impact of the Hays Code and the Rise of Profanity in Film
Censorship has long been a concern in the world of cinema, particularly during the first half of the 20th century. In the early years of silent films, there was a sense of liberation as the art form was still being explored and understood. However, as cinema transitioned to The Talkies, government bodies recognized its potential for mass mobilization and stricter regulation was implemented.
One significant development in American cinema was the introduction of the Hays Code, which aimed to eliminate any content considered transgressive. This code had a profound impact on the gangster genre, as it required crime to be depicted within a rigid moral context. The code suggested that filmmakers should strive for correct thinking and recognize their responsibility to the public.
The Hays Code not only regulated narrative content but also policed the use of language in films. Profanity, in particular, was strictly prohibited. The code explicitly stated that vulgar language, including references to religious figures, was not allowed.
While the Hays Code was eventually replaced by a rating system in 1968, artists had to adhere closely to these strict guidelines until then. Some filmmakers managed to innovate within these constraints, finding ways to push the boundaries. The use of the word fuck, for example, was unthinkable during the code’s enforcement. It wasn’t until Robert Altman’s subversive 1970 comedy M*A*S*H* that the word broke into the mainstream. However, experimental artists like Andy Warhol had already been using the word in underground productions that disregarded the Hays Code.
Prior to Altman’s film, the 1967 British movies Ulysses and I’ll Never Forget What’s’isname featured the use of fuck. There are even reports suggesting that a deleted segment from the 1963 war film The Victors may have been the earliest example of the word’s usage. Nevertheless, it was the James Joyce adaptation and the comedy-drama featuring Orson Welles that marked the beginning of the fuck boom in feature films.
In conclusion, censorship in cinema has been a controversial topic throughout its history. The implementation of the Hays Code significantly impacted American cinema, leading to the prohibition of transgressive content and profanity. While the code was eventually replaced, it had a lasting influence on the industry. The emergence of explicit language, symbolized by the use of the word fuck, represented a shift in the boundaries of artistic expression. Filmmakers found ways to challenge censorship and reflect a changing society through their work.
