SMOKING IN FILMS

I was just listening to a debate on the radio on the subject of smoking in films. It would appear that a campaign has been mounted calling for any film which depicts smoking to be rated 18. Those behind the campaign, (Liverpool City Council in conjunction with the Roy Castle Foundation), believe that young people are influenced in their choice to smoke by seeing it depicted on the big screen. Christine Owens, Director of Tobacco Control at the Roy Castle Foundation, was pitted against Richard Fitzwilliam, a film critic. As you can imagine some rather lively debate ensued. Christine Owens cited research carried out by Nottingham Universtity which, she claimed, showed that young people are more likely to smoke if they see it in films. She also quoted the BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) guidelines, which state that films should be classified 18 if they contain any dangerous practise which could promote harm to individuals. Fair enough, some may think.

But then it was the turn of Richard Fitzwilliam to have his say. He put the point that if this campaign were successful then a whole host of films currently classified 15 would suddenly jump to 18. Even some classic films such as Casablanca and Breakfast at Tiffanys, fantasy adventures like Lord of the Rings (Gandalf smoked a pipe) and even 'childrens' animated films like 101 Dalmations (Cruella De Ville smokes using a long, sleek cigarette holder!) and . He also pointed out that if the campaign were successful then it could open the floodgates for campaigns against all sorts of other activivties in films, eg. alcohol use, drug use, bad driving etc. His main point was that many films reflect the human condition, and if heavier censoring took place then films would end up bland and boring.

Listeners opinions tended to favour his point of view, with many ridiculing the campaign. One caller mentioned about Thunderbirds in the 1970's, where the Traceys would sit around the pool smoking when off duty!!

Well, what do you think? Another example of the 'Nanny State', trying to control our lives as if we are all irresponsible and can't make our own decisions? Or a good idea? Personally, I tend to agree with Fitzwilliam. I think if anyone is going to smoke they will anyway, due to peer pressure amongst other things, whether or not they see it in a film.

If you fancy listening to the whole debate you can do so through http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/shows/vine/, via the listen again feature (Jeremy Vine, 12-2pm, Tuesday 18th March 2008).