1. How effectively is your selected industry regulated?
Slumdog Millionaire was not a particularly controversial film – however that does not
mean that there is nothing to write about to answer this question.
In fact, Slumdog is a great starting point for a regulation question on film...
Things to write about...
• Who the BBFC are and what they do
• The different certificates available
• Why the film got the certificate it did (citing specific scenes)
• Rating given in other countries (MPAA rating in America)
• Monitors and responses to complaints
Things to consider...
The changing face of the BBFC – is it a worthwhile organisation? Is it misjudged from the
outside? What is it’s main function and purpose? How does it change with the times?
(don’t give a complete history lesson – but do give some context to the organisation)
Whilst not particularly controversial this film was criticised for being mis-marketed as a
‘feelgood film’.
Look into the cuts Danny Boyle coud have made to give the film a lower certificate – what were
the reasons why he decided against those cuts?
What are the implications of different ratings? Do you lose some audience members but gain
others?
Do you agree with the rating given to Slumdog – make sure you carefully apply the BBFC rules
to it, so that you show the examiner that you know how the system works.