Harvey Weinstein isn’t one to shy away from publicity, but his recent criticism of an "R" rating from the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) on his company’s new movie 3 Generations isn’t a publicity stunt, or so he claims.
3 Generations tells the story of a teenage girl, played by Elle Fanning, who wants to transition into a boy, who must first find her father to get permission for the procedure. The MPAA gave the movie an “R” rating based on sexual content and strong language. Weinstein claims the “R” rating will keep many young trans viewers from being able to watch the movie. Brent Lang of Variety reports:
The Weinstein Company is objecting, arguing that the film needs to be seen by high schoolers because it has a message of acceptance and inclusion that’s relevant at a time when transgender rights are being hotly debated. Transgender teens also have a higher suicide rates — 40% of transgender adults attempted to kill themselves, with 92% of those attempts coming before the age of 25.
Somehow, the LGBT lobby always throws in the threatening idea that if they don't get their way, did you look at that suicide rate? Do you want to be responsible for that?
Weinstein offered the same liberal outrage in 2012 with the release of the documentary Bully, which was eventually given a PG-13 rating after it was originally given an “R.” (Bullied kids need to see this, so what if it's loaded with F-words?) He’s also had run-ins with the MPAA over the ratings of other movies such as the Catholic-bashing Philomena, as well as Clerks, Blue Valentine and The King’s Speech. Weinstein says he understands the need for “R” ratings when it comes to horror films, but when a movie “has something of social importance,” he believes it’s important to “stand up.”
The movie also stars Naomi Watts, as the mother of Ray, and touts the movie as a “beautiful and touching story about family and identity. It is important for teenagers to see it and the ‘R’ rating doesn’t reflect today’s society. 3 Generations doesn’t have a bad bone in its body, it’s an expression of love, acceptance, strength, and honesty — values that could not be more necessary right now.”
Actress and outspoken leftist Susan Sarandon, who plays Ray’s grandmother in the movie, believes the “R” rating is “ridiculous” and “is an important movie for everyone to see, especially transgender youth who are feeling isolated or fearful and their families. It’s ridiculous to have an R rating which would prevent this audience from seeing the film.”
In a letter sent to the MPAA by the LGBTQ group GLAAD, Sarah Kate Ellis writes: "All that differentiates the film from other PG-13 films is a few instances of strong language...The film does not include graphic violence, drug use, or nudity - it merely portrays a modern family."
MPAA spokesman Chris Ortman released a statement saying, “Any filmmaker who objects to the given rating can choose to go to the appeals board.” Surely, Weinstein will.
