summertime
Joined: 16 Dec 2004 Posts: 923
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Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2007 4:46 am Post subject: Scissor work on 'Lust, Caution' just a marketing device to d |
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Scissor work on 'Lust, Caution' just a marketing device to draw viewers
2007-12-5
EVER since Ang Lee's Chinese-language erotic espionage thriller "Lust, Caution" won an international award, the debates on the film's explicit sex scene have never abated.
While more actresses are ready to show off their acrobatic arts in the bedroom, to the chagrin of mainland viewers the version to be released in China has been cut by seven minutes.
Art is national and global, and in that order.
Ironically, many of our premium art pieces that had been recognized globally are apprehensive of the domestic market.
Some blockbusters frequently win international awards and kudos by playing up the explicit sex scenes, or portraying Chinese as backward or ignorant.
Should we be proud of this kind of masochistic art, that is no more than self-degrading and contemptible trash?
Dramas, especially those styled as masterpieces, are created just for the purpose of being viewed.
In consideration of Chinese culture and tradition, the state had once imposed some necessary restrictions on films containing sex scenes.
Thanks to the easing of these restrictions, directors like Ang Lee can enjoy greater freedom in moving the action into the bedroom.
But in cutting the seven minutes, Lee clearly judges that Chinese audiences do not measure up to his sublime art.
If the film is suspect on political or moral grounds, it deserves a wholesale ban, rather than being allowed to be shown overseas.
But the scissors work is clearly a marketing stunt, whose success is evident by the number of mainlanders trooping to Hong Kong for the full, uncut version - and especially the seven minutes.
Encouraged by the film' success, aspiring actresses are vying with each other in showing their courage and ingenuity in sacrificing their body to art.
When graphic sex scenes becomes a shortcut to fame and riches, art, depth or correctness are all irrelevant.
(China Civilization Net)
http://www.shanghaidaily.com/sp/article/2007/200712/20071205/article_340478.htm |
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