Forum Topic

The 'bloody' Tarantino Billboard on the A4

I find this advert for his new film 'Hostel' particularly disgusting,and believe it inappropriate to advertise this (18 cert) 'slash em' film in such a public manner. Who can I complain to?

Annemarie Flanagan ● 6997d10 Comments

While I wish I could cure the ills of society by sitting in a darkened room watching an orgy of torture and violence, I have a nagging feeling that this may not be enough so have decided instead to demonstrate my contempt for the under-18s by displaying the mutilated head of Barney the Dinosaur on a pike in my front garden. I whole-heartedly support the existence of films of a graphic nature though. I obtain mine under plain cover from an independent distribution company in Soho. Annemarie: It seems I was only partly correct. The Saw 2 poster WAS redesigned, but at the behest of the MPAA in the US (http://www.rottentomatoes.com/news/comments/?entryid=232889). The difference is that the MPAA has to approve both the film AND it's associated promo material it seems. The BBFC doesn't do this I don't think.CheersDave

David Tickle ● 6997d

That seems a little strong. Certainly the reviews suggest it's shallow, bland and visceral but I think these are criticisms that can be levelled at a lot of modern cinema. Tarantino's presence it's surely there simply to stir an interest in what would probably otherwise be just another lacklustre horror flick. In any case it's not my kind of thing so I will happily avoid.The advertising is a different thing though I guess because you have no choice BUT to be exposed to it. I haven't seen the poster in question but judging from the examples available on the internet I can believe that it might be a little on the nasty side. Advertisers always try to push against the boundaries of what they can get away with so it doesn't surprise me that they might have gone beyond the acceptable here. But the ASA exists to keep them in line and they DO act on complaints like these. I seem to remember recently posters for the film Saw 2 were censured by them for being too graphic and had to be quickly redesigned. It wouldn't worry me (then again I don't have children) but if you have concerns about it then you've done the right thing in bringing it to their attention.If it's any consolation, it probably won't be up there very long anyway.

David Tickle ● 6997d

surprised he wants to be associated with it... all the reviews suggest it is abhorrent.Anyway -I have complained to ASA, and called council (who aren't responsible for content of billboards apparently)they will take a look at the poster and contact trading standards to see if anything can be done.Am interested what everyone else thinks.

Annemarie Flanagan ● 6997d

yes the execitive part is just a way of getting his name on the credits with minimal actual input.

Account suspended ● 6997d

he is executive producer (and appears briefly in it)...

Annemarie Flanagan ● 6997d

I don't believe that Tarantino was signifercantly involved in the making of this film

Account suspended ● 6997d

I'm not really bothered if they get what they're after.. free publicity, I just don't want to look at it, and most certainly don't want my kids having nightmares about it.'Sick, disgusting and absolutely brilliant? I think not.

Annemarie Flanagan ● 6997d

Sadly, complaints are probably exactly what they are after. Look out for stuff in the papers next week along the lines of "Posters for the film Hostel were withdrawn last night after the ASA received over 700 complaints...."

Matt Harmer ● 6997d

The ASA deal with complaints surrounding print advertising and, conveniently, have an online complaint submission form:http://www.asa.org.uk/asa/how_to_complain/complaints_form/HTH.

David Tickle ● 6997d