Hollywood censorship and remakes!
The 1930s saw tremendous advancements in film. Not only through the introduction of sound and
colour, but for the quality of screen plays, acting, and in delivering a message through this emerging
media.
The “original” Scarface is one of several films that are classified as “gangster” films ~ a popular genre of
the 1930s. It needed to closely follow the “codes” set forth by a body of representative to ensure that
morality and societal virtues were adhered to. Some people may actually argue that the Production
Code Administration was the beginning of censorship; while others may of thought that the Production
Code was simply a reflection of the times in terms or what we valued and what we deemed as
important.
You will have the opportunity to view both
the original and the remake.
The Motion Picture Production Code went
into effect in 1934, and American films still
feel its effects today with varying degrees.
What was the motivation behind the Code?
How was it finally put into place and how did
the business aspects of moviemaking enter
into its implementation? How did it affect
actors and directors? How did the
representation of women, men, crime,
ethnicity, and politics change? Can we link the
effect of the Production Code to today's
movies?
How do the movies reflect the values of the
times? How does Scarface (1930s) compare
to Scarface (1980s) in regard to the
production codes?
The 1980s version had big issues with ratings, how does this affect the movie and how the audience
views it?
Using the 1930s and 1980s version of Scarface,
discuss in essay style the above questions as it
relates specifically to the Production Code.
THINGS TO CONSIDER (IN OTHER
WORDS....MAKE SURE OF THE FOLLOWING):



Research
Using critical thinking to
demonstrate your
understanding and ability to
communicate your knowledge
EXPAND AND EXPLAIN using
detailed descriptions of plot,
scenes, dialogue, etc.
The following websites may prove useful to you in helping you research and develop your essay.
http://www.economicexpert.com/a/Production:Code.html
http://productioncode.dhwritings.com/multipleframes_productioncode.php
http://xroads.virginia.edu/~UG02/gangsters/censorship.html
http://www.crimeculture.com/Contents/FilmReviews/Scarface.htm
http://cinemaroll.com/cinemarolling/scarface-a-classic-remake-of-a-classic/
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/394174/Motion-Picture-Association-of-America
It is important that you structure your essay to a higher level of writing. This is a much easier essay to
write than previous ones; however, I do expect you to research and draft essays that CLEARLY show
understanding, connection, and a well structured thesis.
This essay will be due Thursday, March 11th (beginning of class).
Please hand in your rough notes and draft clearly signed by a proofreader as well. This will count
towards 10% of your mark.