Smoking Hazardous to Your Movie's Health

Hollywood is feeling the pressure of the anti-smoking drive. In response, the Motion Picture Association of America is altering their ratings system yet again. The new plan is to take tobacco use into consideration when generating a rating for a film. Any movie that glamorizes the act of smoking is putting itself at risk of a more restrictive rating than a movie that doesn't. In the past, only teenage smoking has tilted the ratings scales, but now all smoking will damage a movie's rating.

Anti-smoking groups have been pressuring Hollywood to take action on the matter, with some even demanding an "R" rating for movies with smoking scenes. While they may not have totally gotten their wish, the MPAA will certainly weigh the issue in. But it doesn't look like it will have as much sway as sex, violence, and drugs do. When questioned about how much of a difference smoking scenes will make, MPAA chairperson Joan Graves said, "It's an art, not a science. It all depends on how impactful the smoking is."

While these steps are being taken, the industry has not conceded to banning it altogether from movies. Characters may still smoke, recognizable cigarette brands will still be seen. Movie makers will just be held more accountable now.