Pain Over Pleasure: How the Motion Picture Association of America Rates Rape and Cunnilingus in Film

Abstract

This thesis examines how the ratings given to films by the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) and its rating division CARA (Classification and Rating Administration) differentiate between narrative films that depict sexual violence towards a female character and films that depict a female character’s sexual pleasure. Depictions of sexual violence will be examined with an emphasis on the rape of a female character, and portrayals of female sexual pleasure will be examined with an emphasis on cunnilingus. The thesis examines whether the MPAA’s rating decisions display a negative bias toward female sexuality by juxtaposing these two opposing elements, and investigating how these two different types of explicit elements are granted “age- appropriate” labels. The research material of this thesis consists of previously published studies, scientific journal articles, interviews of filmmakers and industry experts and literature surrounding the study’s themes. The thesis begins with an overview of the Association’s history, followed by a brief introduction of the rating board and the methodology it utilizes. This leads to an examination of the Association’s rating patterns in regard to portrayals of rape and cunnilingus in film, followed by a contemplative and summarizing analysis of all the aforementioned material. The thesis ends with a short personal statement. The research results indicate that depictions of cunnilingus in film are given higher ratings than portrayals of rape – even when rape scenes are visibly more explicit. These results suggest that context is not adequately taken into consideration in the film rating process. However, recent years have suggested a careful progression of the MPAA’s and CARA’s views on sexuality. This development, hopefully, will lead to a more accepting and open creative environment within the American film industry.