11.2 Strategies for Circumventing Censorship
4 min read•july 30, 2024
Hollywood filmmakers got creative to dodge the Hays Code's strict rules. They used clever tricks like , , and to sneak in edgy content without getting caught. This led to some pretty ingenious storytelling techniques.
These strategies let directors tackle taboo subjects and push boundaries, even if they had to be subtle about it. Films like "" and "" managed to address controversial topics by hiding deeper meanings in plain sight.
Circumventing the Hays Code
Techniques for Navigating Restrictions
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- Filmmakers employed various techniques to circumvent the restrictions imposed by the Hays Code (1934-1968)
- Use of symbolism, innuendo, and subtext conveyed controversial themes and ideas
- Double entendres, or phrases with double meanings, suggested sexual or other taboo content without explicitly stating it
- Visual metaphors and clever editing techniques implied content that could not be directly shown on screen
- Filmmakers sometimes pushed the boundaries by including content that was technically allowed but still provocative or suggestive (suggestive dancing, revealing costumes)
Impact of the Hays Code on Filmmaking
- The Hays Code, also known as the , was a set of industry guidelines for the self-censorship of content in American films
- Filmmakers had to find creative ways to express their artistic vision while adhering to the Code's strict moral standards
- The Code's restrictions led to the development of new storytelling techniques and a reliance on subtext and symbolism
- Some filmmakers deliberately challenged the Code by including provocative content, hoping to push the boundaries of what was acceptable (Howard Hughes' "" (1943), Otto Preminger's "" (1953))
Symbolism and Subtext in Film
Conveying Meaning Through Symbolism
- Symbolism involves the use of objects, colors, or other visual elements to represent abstract ideas or concepts
- Allows filmmakers to convey deeper meanings without explicitly stating them
- Examples of symbolic elements in films:
- The use of shadows and lighting to represent moral ambiguity or danger ()
- The use of color to convey emotions or themes (red for passion, white for innocence)
- The use of objects as metaphors for characters' internal states or conflicts (the birdcage in "" (1955))
Innuendo and Subtext
- Innuendo refers to the use of indirect or suggestive language to imply something without directly stating it
- Often used to hint at sexual or other taboo content (the "walls of Jericho" scene in "It Happened One Night" (1934))
- Subtext is the underlying or implicit meaning in a film's dialogue, actions, or visual elements
- Conveys themes or ideas that are not explicitly stated
- Films such as Alfred Hitchcock's "Notorious" (1946) and Billy Wilder's "Some Like It Hot" (1959) effectively employed symbolism, innuendo, and subtext to address controversial subjects
Evolution of Censorship Strategies
Increasing Creativity in Circumventing Censorship
- As the Hays Code was enforced more strictly in the late 1930s and 1940s, filmmakers had to become increasingly creative in their strategies
- Filmmakers became more adept at using subtle techniques like symbolism and subtext to convey controversial ideas without drawing the attention of censors
- The use of visual metaphors, clever editing, and suggestive dialogue became more sophisticated over time
Changing Attitudes and the Weakening of the Code
- In the 1950s and 1960s, changing social attitudes and the weakening of the studio system led to a gradual relaxation of the Hays Code's enforcement
- Filmmakers began pushing the boundaries more aggressively, including more explicit content and addressing taboo subjects more directly ("" (1961), "" (1966))
- The decline of the Hays Code culminated in its abandonment in favor of the MPAA rating system in 1968
Effectiveness of Circumvention Strategies
Allowing Filmmakers to Address Taboo Subjects
- The use of symbolism, innuendo, and subtext allowed filmmakers to address controversial themes and ideas in a way that was acceptable under the Hays Code
- These strategies enabled the creation of complex, multi-layered works that could be interpreted on different levels, depending on the viewer's understanding of the subtext
- Films like "Rebel Without a Cause" (1955) and "" (1960) dealt with sensitive topics like juvenile delinquency and sexual deviance through the use of subtext and symbolism
Limitations and Challenges
- The effectiveness of these strategies was limited by the fact that they often required audiences to read between the lines and interpret the film's deeper meanings
- Some viewers may have missed the subtextual elements, leading to a lack of clarity in addressing important social and political issues
- The need to rely on subtle techniques sometimes led to a lack of directness in confronting controversial topics
- Despite these limitations, the use of censorship circumvention strategies allowed filmmakers to create meaningful, thought-provoking works that pushed the boundaries of acceptability in American cinema during the era of the Hays Code
Key Terms to Review (18)
Audience Complicity: Audience complicity refers to the idea that viewers or audiences actively participate in the construction of meaning within a film or media text, often by sharing certain cultural assumptions or interpretations. This concept highlights how audiences can be both passive consumers and active contributors to the narrative, influencing how censorship is circumvented by filmmakers through implied understanding and engagement.
Censorship Themes: Censorship themes refer to the underlying messages and motifs surrounding the practice of restricting or suppressing content deemed inappropriate or harmful by authorities, especially in film. These themes often highlight the struggle between creative expression and societal norms, showcasing the impact of censorship on storytelling and cultural representation.
Double entendre: A double entendre is a figure of speech or a phrase that has two meanings, typically one of which is straightforward and the other is more suggestive or risqué. This clever play on words can serve as a tool for humor or subtlety, especially in contexts where direct expression may face restrictions or censorship. It allows creators to convey deeper messages while navigating the limitations imposed by social and legal standards.
Film noir: Film noir is a cinematic style characterized by its dark themes, moral ambiguity, and visual aesthetics that often include low-key lighting and unusual camera angles. This genre reflects the disillusionment of post-World War II America and presents complex characters navigating a corrupt world, connecting to broader societal issues and cultural changes.
Innuendo: Innuendo is a figure of speech where an indirect or subtle reference is made, often implying something derogatory or suggestive without stating it outright. This technique has been widely used in various forms of media to convey messages that could skirt censorship while still getting a point across, allowing creators to engage with sensitive topics while maintaining a level of decorum.
Motion picture production code: The motion picture production code, commonly known as the Hays Code, was a set of industry guidelines established in the 1930s to regulate the content of films in order to ensure moral standards and avoid government censorship. It sought to prevent films from depicting anything considered offensive, including violence, sexual content, and themes that contradicted prevailing social norms. This self-censorship significantly influenced filmmaking practices and narratives throughout the mid-20th century, shaping both the art and commerce of cinema.
Notorious: Notorious refers to being famous or well-known, typically for some bad quality or deed. In the context of film and censorship, it highlights how certain films gain infamy due to their controversial content, often leading to public outcry or increased scrutiny from censorship boards. This reputation can significantly impact a film's distribution and the strategies filmmakers employ to circumvent censorship laws.
Psycho: Psycho is a 1960 psychological horror film directed by Alfred Hitchcock that became a landmark in American cinema, noted for its innovative storytelling and shocking twist. The film is particularly significant for how it navigated the boundaries of censorship during its release, using strategic filmmaking techniques to convey themes of violence and morality without explicitly violating contemporary censorship standards.
Rebel Without a Cause: Rebel Without a Cause is a 1955 film that encapsulates the struggles of disaffected youth in postwar America, highlighting themes of teenage angst, identity crisis, and familial conflict. This film played a crucial role in shaping cultural discussions about juvenile delinquency and the pressures faced by young people in a rapidly changing society.
Red Scare: The Red Scare refers to the intense fear and panic in the United States about the perceived threat of communism and radical leftist ideologies during the early to mid-20th century, particularly after World War I and again in the late 1940s through the 1950s. This period saw widespread government investigations, societal repression, and censorship aimed at curbing any influence of communism in American life. The fear of subversion led to the creation of strategies to circumvent censorship, as filmmakers and writers sought to express their views while navigating a landscape filled with paranoia and repression.
Social Commentary: Social commentary refers to the act of using artistic expression to critique or analyze societal issues, norms, and values. In cinema, this can manifest through storytelling, character development, and visual imagery that highlight social injustices or provoke thought about cultural phenomena. By addressing contemporary issues through film, creators can encourage audiences to reflect on their realities and consider potential changes.
Some Like It Hot: Some Like It Hot is a classic American comedy film directed by Billy Wilder, released in 1959. The film stars Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon as two musicians who disguise themselves as women to escape from mobsters, leading to a series of humorous and chaotic situations. Its themes of cross-dressing and gender identity connect deeply with censorship practices of the time, the influence of the Hays Code on film content, and the evolving portrayal of gender roles and sexuality in pre-1960s cinema.
Subtext: Subtext refers to the underlying meaning or implicit messages that exist beneath the surface of dialogue, actions, and visuals in a film or story. It often conveys emotions, themes, or character motivations that are not explicitly stated, allowing for deeper engagement and interpretation by the audience. This richness of meaning can reflect societal issues, cultural dynamics, and personal relationships, thus enhancing the viewer's experience.
Symbolism: Symbolism is a literary and artistic device that uses symbols to represent ideas, themes, or concepts, allowing for deeper meaning beyond the literal interpretation. In film, symbolism can convey complex emotions, social commentary, or cultural critiques without overtly stating them, inviting viewers to engage in interpretation. This method has been especially significant in addressing sensitive subjects, as filmmakers often employ symbolism to navigate censorship and reflect shifting societal values.
The Children's Hour: The Children's Hour is a play by Lillian Hellman, first performed in 1934, that explores themes of lies, reputation, and the destructive power of rumors. The narrative revolves around two women who run a private school for girls and face a crisis when a student falsely accuses them of being in a lesbian relationship, leading to catastrophic consequences. This work became significant as it challenged societal norms and censorship regarding LGBTQ+ themes during a time when such subjects were often taboo.
The Moon is Blue: The phrase 'the moon is blue' refers to a notable censorship case surrounding the 1951 film of the same name, which became a focal point in discussions about the limits of censorship in American cinema. The film’s content challenged the existing moral standards set by the Hays Code and sparked significant debate about what was deemed acceptable for audiences. This case highlighted the tensions between artistic expression and regulatory frameworks, which often sought to impose strict controls over film content during that era.
The outlaw: The outlaw refers to a character archetype often depicted in film and literature, representing individuals who operate outside the law, challenging societal norms and authority. This character can embody rebellion, freedom, and moral ambiguity, often leading to conflict with law enforcement or societal structures. In the context of censorship, outlaws become symbolic figures that filmmakers may use to critique social issues or push boundaries while navigating restrictive regulations.
Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?: Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is a play by Edward Albee that premiered in 1962, which explores the complexities of marriage and the darker aspects of human relationships through the lens of a dysfunctional couple. The work is notable for its candid discussions on themes like truth, illusion, and the struggles of identity, making it a powerful commentary on societal norms and expectations. The play was adapted into a film in 1966, which faced scrutiny due to its mature content and the emotional intensity depicted.