In a surprising turn of events, a movie scene has influenced a man so deeply that he claimed to have lost his appetite for an entire day. The Irish Film Classification Office (IFCO) has been under fire after receiving several complaints about the disturbing content in the Barry Keoghan movie, Saltburn, particularly an infamous bathtub scene that left audiences reeling.
Disturbing Cinematic Moments
The critic in question expressed his horror and disbelief after witnessing Barry Keoghan’s character perform unsettling acts on screen. One of the scenes that proved too much to stomach involved Keoghan’s character consuming bathwater that had been used by Felix Catton, portrayed by Jacob Elordi, after a personal moment of intimacy. But the discomfort didn’t stop there; another scene depicted a desecration of a grave in a sexual manner, sparking outrage and disbelief among viewers.
“What the hell have I just watched?” the man lamented, questioning the appropriateness of the film’s 16 certification. He went on to detail his shock at the film’s explicit content, including “the stomach-churning bathtub scene and the abomination in the graveyard,” criticizing the film’s choice to include “repeated and gratuitous frontal nudity.”
The complaint humorously but pointedly highlighted the viewer’s disgust by comparing the number of male genitals seen in the movie to a political party conference, indicating the level of unwelcome explicit content that left him disturbed and unable to eat.
Classification Concerns and Viewer Disgust
IFCO’s decision to classify Saltburn with a 16 rating has drawn criticism, with some arguing that the movie’s content justifies an 18 rating due to its explicit scenes of both a sexual and disturbing nature. The complainant’s letter to IFCO also sarcastically speculated whether the reference to eating disorders in the movie’s warnings was an allusion to the bathtub scene, voicing concerns over the portrayal of such content as fit for teenage viewers.
In the face of these complaints, IFCO has defended its decision, stating that the classification was accompanied by clear advisories warning of “strong sex, language, and drug use” among other content concerns. The organization emphasized the thorough consideration given to each classification decision, aiming to reassure the public of its commitment to appropriate content labeling.
A separate complaint addressed to IFCO concerned the classification of another film, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, which had mistakenly been rated for “moderate violence” rather than “strong violence”. This error was acknowledged and appreciated by IFCO, showcasing their responsiveness to public concern.
Community and Information
As the discussion around film classification and content appropriateness continues, the community is encouraged to stay informed and engaged. For those interested in more news updates from Dublin and the surrounding areas, a variety of resources including a dedicated WhatsApp news service and a privacy-conscious engagement strategy are available. Through open dialogue and feedback, institutions like IFCO aim to navigate the complex landscape of content classification in a manner that respects viewer sensitivities while upholding cinematic freedom.
If you still watch to. watch it after all this, here it is
For the viewer who couldn’t eat for a day, the disturbing bathtub scene in Saltburn serves as a stark reminder of the powerful impact visual media can have on our psyche and well-being. It also underscores the ongoing dialogue between film creators, classifiers, and the viewing public, as we collectively grapple with the boundaries of storytelling, art, and decency.
also read:Mary Poppins’ U.K. Age Rating Update Sparks Debate on Historical Sensitivities
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