Academy award winning director Peter Jackson has come in for criticism for not depicting the rape and murder of a 14-year-old girl in his film based on the book The Lovely Bones.
In a global film culture which too often thrives on graphic sexual depictions and other acts of violence against girls and women, Jackson’s comments are a breath of fresh air.
In an interview Jackson says:
“Personally I have no interest in witnessing or watching or filming a 14-year-old being murdered and raped…When I read criticism of people who say why did we leave out the murder scene, I say, ‘How much did you hope to see?… Were you looking forward to that? Have we disappointed you by not actually including that?’”
He says he didn’t find anything entertaining about the murder of a 14-year-old and those who did would have to go elsewhere (like the internet) to get their kicks.
3 Responses
I am so glad to hear Peter Jackson’s comments. Having recently viewed Changeling and doing some research after the fact we found that some other gruesome details (like sexual abuse of children) had been left out of this film (which showed enough violence already). It is gratifying to know that directors are choosing to depict the stories without subjecting their audiences to the graphic horrors that indeed some may want, but all don’t need. Actress Reece Witherspoon said, “When you make a film you keep people captive for two hours and if you have nothing to say, or the wrong thing to say, it can have a really negative impact.”
Let’s hope other actors and directors start thinking this way.