No more Rated R
IESB.net is reporting the studio who just got into everyone’s good graces with The Dark Knight and Watchmen has decided they will no longer make their superhero/tentpole films rated R. I’m sure the fact Batman cleaned house with over a billion dollars and Watchmen will barely cross the $100 million mark had something to do with this decision.
It’s disappointing to hear this because Warners did so many things right on Watchmen and they took a big risk with it. Now, it may not pay off but they shouldn’t give it up. Yes, in the end it’s all about dollar signs but WB you guys did a great job with a property many thought was unfilmable. Watchmen was never going to make The Dark Knight numbers and maybe not even 300 numbers, which is what I’m sure the expectation was. But think of those to whom the dollar signs didn’t matter; the film-goers and the fans who are praising your studio for the accomplishment of keeping this film how it should have been.
I hate to compare The Dark Knight to Watchmen as it’s rather boring at this point but let’s take a look at why Nolan’s film was more successful. Simply, Batman is a household name and Christopher Nolan and company knocked it out of the park with their flawed first entry. Because of this, many people had a preset notion that The Dark Knight was going to be this super-film that ended cinema and flocked out in droves to see the film. It was also helped by a tremendous performance by Heath Ledger as The Joker in his final role. Then the early word of mouth had claims that it was “better than The Godfather” or something ridiculous. Point is, people not only had it preset in their heads what to make of the flick but that they were going to see it so many times.
Watchmen is the polar opposite in some respects. The characters aren’t household names, it’s not easily accessible material and is not for children. The early word of mouth was mixed and then the actual reviews came out polarized everyone. I’m sure the 2 hour and 40 minute runtime has something to do with it but if the film needs that much (or longer) then so be it. But again, this isn’t as family friendly as Batman. The Dark Knight, true is frightening and violent while Watchmen is all of that and shows two sex scenes, one which involves a rape. What is it’s Achillies’ Heel though, is that one viewing isn’t enough. The first viewing will leave most either confused, let down, or some other negative adjective while others will praise it for it’s brilliance.
THAT is where Warner Brothers needs to be praised and not balk at the first sign of danger. This is a well made, considerably well acted, brilliant, flawed piece of film making. When was the last time a studio made a film that polarized everyone and sparked some good debate? Yes, believe it or not, whether it’s about the success or faults of the film or the themes of the movie people are discussing Watchmen. None of the debates I’ve seen involve “ZOMG THIS IS TEH GREATEST FILM EVAR!” or “THAT IS THE WORST PIECE OF SHIT SINCE TWILIGHT!” No, actual debate about the merits of the film. This is the kind of film a lot of people have been hoping Hollywood would make for years and years.
What people are forgetting is that Watchmen outgrossed both Batman Begins and Superman Returns in it’s opening weekend. Irrelevant now, maybe but I (and others) believe that itself is a success in it’s own right. Yet, because it wasn’t the sleeper Begins or 300 was they feel this is the appropriate reaction. It can only be assumed this means Terminator Salvation is going to get the dreaded PG-13, much like Fox did with their R-Rated franchise.
Warners, you can make Green Lantern or Wonder Woman PG-13 because they need to be, but please don’t run with your tail between your legs because Watchmen, right now, isn’t performing as well as The Dark Knight. Truth is, it never was and the film is going to have a healthy life on DVD due to repeat viewings which are essential for this and the Director’s Cut which we (and I think you, the studio, does too) know it’s the true cut of the film. isn’t a hit right now, but it’s got it’s future bright ahead.
Please reconsider.
