Are Children Actor in R-Rated Movies Allowed to Watch Them After Filming?
In the world of entertainment, child actors often find themselves starring in content that is rated R or considered mature. This raises the question: are these children allowed to watch the film or show after its finished? The answer is not straightforward and involves a variety of factors, including local laws, industry guidelines, and parental discretion.
Parental Guidance
The ultimate decision usually rests with the child's parents or guardians. They may consider the content, themes, and potential psychological impact on the child. A key consideration is whether the child can handle the material emotionally and psychologically. While the child may have been performing in the film, that does not necessarily mean they are prepared to process the content fully.
Industry Regulations
Despite the R-rating being a suggestion rather than a legal requirement, industry bodies still have guidelines to enforce content restrictions. For example, some scripts may include warnings about graphic violence, strong language, or sexually explicit content, which may restrict the viewing of these scenes to certain peers or only after parental consent.
Psychological Impact
Parents and guardians may be particularly concerned about the psychological impact of the content. Even if a child is acting in a film, they might still be sensitive to violent or sexually explicit scenes. This consideration extends beyond merely watching the film but also understanding the underlying emotions and events depicted.
Regarding Specific Examples
There are instances where the situation becomes intriguing, such as the case of Brooke Shields. She starred in films that were rated R when she was still comparatively young. The R-rating system, however, is merely a recommendation and not a legal mandate. Theaters can use this guidance when deciding on admission policies, but in recent times, with movies going to home media or streaming services, the relevance of the R-rating diminishes.
The case of Maisie Williams from Game of Thrones is another example. She was around 13 when she began playing Arya Stark, a role that involves significant nudity and violence. However, her character didn't appear in a sex scene until much later in the series, and her age corresponded with Williams's real age. The question often arises whether young actors like Williams need protection from the mature content they portray. While it is understandable to be concerned, the historical precedent suggests that the bigger danger is not the content itself but rather the possibility of substance abuse or other harmful influences on set.
One amusing example is the 2007 film Planet Terror. Director Robert Rodriguez cast his son, Rebel Rodriguez, as "Tony Block." Midway through the movie, Tony dies off-screen, with the fatal gunshot filmed in shadow. Yet, Rodriguez shot additional scenes showing Tony surviving, which was the version he showed his son. It's unclear when Rebel discovered his character actually died during the theatrical release.
Ultimately, the decision on whether a child actor can watch the film they starred in depends on a combination of legal, industry, and parental considerations. It is always best to approach these situations with a deep understanding of the content's impact and a careful consideration of the child's emotional maturity.