FILM CLASSIFICATION

Films are rated by The British Board of Film Classification which is an independent, non-governmental body that have been classifying cinema films since it was set up in 1912. The BBFC was set up by the film industry as an independent body, to bring a degree of uniformity to the classification of film, nationally.

Statutory powers remain with the local councils, which may overrule any of the BBFC’s decisions, passing films they reject, banning films they have passed, and even waiving cuts, instituting new ones, or altering categories for films to be exhibited, under their own licensing jurisdiction.

Traditionally, thrillers or films in the thriller/horror hybrid genre are usually rated at the minimum of 15, and sometimes over. The BBFC validates their reasoning for giving a rating of 15, on these grounds:

This was taken from the BBFC website.

Discrimination
The work as a whole must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour.

Drugs
Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse. The misuse of easily accessible and highly dangerous substances is unlikely to be accepted.

Horror
Strong threat and menace is permitted unless sadistic or sexualised.

Imitable behaviour
Dangerous behaviour (for example self harming) should not dwell on detail, which could be copied. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamourised.

Language
There may be frequent use of strong language. The strongest terms may be acceptable, through context. Repetition and aggression in language is not permitted.

Violence
Violence may be strong but should not dwell on pain and infliction of pain. The strongest, gory images will not be acceptable. Strong, sadistic or sexualised violence is also unlikely to be acceptable.

Due to these guidelines set out by the BBFC, I believe that our film, Fascination, would receive a rating of 15. Although it has a strong threat of suspense and terror, it does not show any 'gore' or real violence, only enigmas that create images for the audience, whose imaginations may be more vivid than the on screen image itself.