2. What is the BBFC?
• The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), before 1985 known as British Board of Film
Censors, is a non-governmental organization, founded by the film industry in 1912 and
responsible for the national classification and censorship of films within the United Kingdom.
3.
4. For example, Antichrist
Film information:
• Antichrist
• Director: Lars Von Trier
• Status: 18 uncut
• Year: 2009
Antichrist features several strong and gory horror images. These include a
sequence in which a character’s ankle is drilled and where his genitals are beaten
and ejaculate blood. Most notably, perhaps, the film also includes sight of a
character mutilating her own genitals with a pair of scissors. This image provoked
much comment and debate within the British media.
This act of self-mutilation is shown in close up, although the image is only on
screen for a few seconds. Though it clearly exceeded the BBFC's Guidelines at 15,
where 'the strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable' and where
'violence may be strong but may not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury' the
Board also had to consider whether it would be appropriately placed uncut at 18.
