Hit ‘Slap’ With Delete Key
Why don’t we put to rest a misused word common in film journalism? “Madonna’s Movie Will Be Edited for ‘R’ ” (Oct. 30) refers to the forthcoming Madonna-Willem Dafoe film “Body of Evidence” as having originally been “slapped” with the NC-17 rating. Later, the article said it was “hit” by the troublesome rating.
I have a problem with the word slap , as it implies punishment, rebuff or insult. It was my impression that the NC-17 rating was designed to avoid and eliminate the stigma that went with being “slapped” with the X rating.
The film’s producer, Steven Deutsch, has rightly become aware “that in the audience’s mind, there is still no difference between the NC-17 and the old X.” One wonders if the same could be said for The Times and its film writers and editors. A firm slap to you for perpetuating this misconception.
By the way, nobody raised an eyebrow when “Beauty and the Beast” was slapped with a G rating. Go figure. LES SCHWARTZ
Silver Lake
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