Anyone know anything about laws RE:Nudity in movies?

[romantico]

We were discussing this at work. Brooke Shields did a movie when she was 10 or 12 where she shows her butt. Christian Slater was 16 when he was nude in 'The Name of the Rose'. I know there are lots of foreign movies that have underage actors/actresses in movies, but what about here in the USA? I didn't think this was allowed until your 18. Kiera Knightly was in 'The Hole' & appeared topless when she was 17, the film however was made in the UK. Anyone know our laws regarding this? Not to sound creepy or anything, just something to think about since we somehow got on the subject.

[DS1]

1. All I can say is I look forward to all the research done re: this post

:popcorn:

[gmoney]

2. I think parental consent is involved

I read something about that when Thora Birch briefly appears topless in American Beauty (she was 17 at the time). I'm guessing that since it was a viable part of a legitimate movie, with parental consent, and not presented with (much) prurient interest, that's what lets it fly.

[Enraged_Ape]

3. Isn't that, technically, child pornography?

I thought child porn was ANY photographic depiction of nude people under the age of 18, which is why porn producers have to keep detailed records of the ages of their "models".

[romantico]

4. Thats what I thought as well

Isn't that exploiting your child for profit?Having them appear nude? This just sounds wrong IMO. A guy at work said he saw a show late at night on cable where there was a teenager who DID NOT look 18 in a very graphic sex scene. He couldn't remember the title, but couldn't believe what he was seeing. He said it was on very late at night & couldn't imagine any parent allowing their kid to do this(I guess it was a masterbation scene)

[Tyrone Slothrop]

5. I've come across some info on this

Parental consent is involved for a minor to appear nude.

This does not (legally, anyway) constitute child pornography in the same way that "Ulysses" is not considered a pornographic novel. That is, the intention of such a scene is not necessarily to arouse or titillate.

[ET Awful]

6. Brooke Shields showed more than her butt in that movie, it was called

"Pretty Baby" and she played a teenage prostitute. She followed up with "Blue Lagoon" and showed even more . . . hell, she couldn't even legally get in to a theater see her own movie for that one.

Laws vary from place to place. For instance, you'll often see young teens partially nude in European films. It's a cultural concept of what is and is not acceptable.

The laws are stricter here than they are in most of Europe, and they have, if I'm not mistaken, become stricter since the time when Brook Shields was making those films as a youngster.

[romantico]

8. But its one thing if theres a teen or child

taking a bath or skinny dipping. Its another if they're engaging in a sexual act or trying to be sexual in the scene. I have problems with a teenager masterbating while nude in a film. Its one thing to imply it without being graphic or showing anything. Thats just wrong IMO!

[Enraged_Ape]

9. So if someone's floating pics of a 14-year-old taking a shower...

it's all right. :eyes:

I don't think that would fly in any court anywhere. (Or at least I hope it wouldn't.)

Unfortunately, this all comes down to the definition of "obscenity", which is, as some famous Supreme Court Justice once said: "I know it when I see it."

[Finder]

12. Brooke had a body double in Blue Lagoon...

as I am sure most underage actresses do.

[ghostsofgiants]

7. Thora Birch was 17 when she did her nude scene in American Beauty

Don't know what the laws are though.

[Enraged_Ape]

10. And I have NEVER understood why this wasn't illegal

I think the director should have been brought up on charges anyway, if only for making a bad, sophomoric, grossly overrated movie.

[romantico]

11. Anyone remember

Bryan Singer's movie 'Apt Pupil'? There was a law suit against him because of a shower scene in the boys locker room which showed a group of young boys naked.Not sure what happened after that, but I remember the scene in the movie & thought it was a bit out place.

[ChaoticSilly]

13. Well

All of the theaters around here require shirt and shoes, so - I've never tried it mind you - I would guess other pieces of clothing would be required also.

What? Ohh, guess I should've read more than just the topic. :blush: