The question on everyone’s – well, Rob Zombie’s – lips is whether Zombie’s upcoming film 31 will be able to secure its ‘R’ rating to ensure the film can be screened in cinemas. At the moment, 31 has been given an NC-17 rating by the MPAA due to its, “Sadistic graphic violence, bizarre sexuality/nudity, pervasive disturbing images and some strong language.” Anyone else intrigued by the “bizarre sexuality”?
Synopsis:
Five friends are kidnapped on the day before Halloween and are held hostage in a terrifying place named Murder World. While trapped, they must play a violent game called 31, in which the mission is to survive 12 hours against a gang of evil clowns.
There’s nothing wrong with an NC-17 rating; the gorier, the bloodier and more shocking the better, but its still a rating that film-makers will dread to have stamped on their film. Even Rob Zombie. 31 has been given this rating twice, but as the director so eloquently puts; third time’s the charm:
“Well, after two tries through the MPAA our rating on 31 remains NC-17. Maybe three is the charm to get an R rating. Why R you ask? Well, because your local theatre will not show an NC-17. Even though you are a f*cking adult… things much be censored for your enjoyment.”
So will 31 get its desired ‘R’ rating or will it have to live with an NC-17? Only time – and the MPAA – will tell.
31 will be screened at January’s Sundance Film Festival, so keep your eyes peeled for those early reactions.
