RUE MORGUE
A publication exclusively devoted to horror in culture and entertainment. Also features cinema, store, archives, events and general information. Rue Morgue is a Canadian magazine dedicated to covering "horror in culture and entertainment," taking its name from Edgar Allan Poe's short story "The Murders in the Rue Morgue."
As a pair of Canadian horror nerds, it's hard to describe the feeling of pride and accomplishment that comes from having the opportunity to speak to the folks of this legendary, great publication. This feeling was made even grander when April Snellings approached us with interest on writing about the censorship and banning issue that arose when Tom Hutchinson of The Roxy Theater in Saskatoon decided to remove the previously approved Dark Bridges Film Festival because the title of our film - 'Dead Hooker in a Trunk' - was too offensive. Despite the fact that he never bothered to even watch the film.
It’s been said that twice is a coincidence, but three times is a trend. If that’s the case, Rue Morgue readers have probably noticed a disturbing pattern in recent months, with horror films being pulled from theaters (Hatchet II), confiscated and banned (A Serbian Film, L.A. Zombie), and even used as a basis for obscenity charges (the short films of Montreal-based FX artist Remy Couture).
The latest kerfuffle is relatively small-scale, but no less troubling. Earlier this month, a scheduled double feature of indie horror flicks Dead Hooker in a Trunk and The Taint was booted from its Saskatoon venue when an anonymous caller phoned the theatre to complain about the posters that advertised the event (see the offending poster at right). Accusations of misogyny were thrown about, even though one of the films was made by women and features an ass-kicking female protagonist. The caller insisted that it was inappropriate to screen such films in Saskatoon – probably a reference to a string of prostitute murders in and around the city.
I've heard the theater make statements saying that they would have preferred this being kept a private matter and that just adds to the absurdity we are coming face to face with. There is a ratings board that agrees upon material then rates a film accordingly. If a viewer is not interested in seeing a particular movie, then they can choose not to see it. But to have someone else make that decision for film goers by their own sense of taste is outrageous. But it didn't stop there, Tom Hutchinson also pulled Canadian-made HOBO WITH A SHOTGUN a few days after the backlash of pulling DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK.
“I’m amazed how far this has gone without any of the concerned parties actually watching or looking into the film,” said Sylvia. “To title a film Dead Hooker in a Trunk and to make that film be a blatant disrespect to the title character would be absurd for any artist – especially for a pair of female filmmakers who started to create their own work because of frustrations with the poor representation of women often seen in film. There is a lot of over-the-top, almost anime-style violence throughout the film, but I didn’t want there to be a single laugh when [the title character] dies. It’s a very humanizing and sad sequence because the fact that this woman’s life was so heartlessly stolen from her was the driving force behind the events that unfold in the film.”
There are so many stories in the news about filmmakers - cast and crew - getting unfair treatment because of their creative work. If we stand by and allow this kind of behavior to go unchecked, then this trend of self-appointed censors making ill-informed decisions on what we can and can not see. Films that are a satire are being judged as if they are not. Artists that create gore and bodies for film are being charged with being 'morally corrupted'. Festival programmers are being charged for showing films about harsh subject matter. These are all reflections of things that actually take place in our world, but it seems it is the artist who wants to get into these matters through their work that is being condemned for the material and the real life issues go swept under the carpet.
This is an extremely important issue today. Whether you are a horror fan or not - that's not the issue - the issue is that self-appointed censors are making uneducated attacks on art and they are getting away with it. This is a masterfully written piece that interviews all parties involved - we: twisted twins, John Allison: the programmer of the Dark Bridges Film Fest, Drew Buldoc: the filmmaker behind THE TAINT, and even Tom Hutchinson: the man from the Roxy Theater with the ban-happy brain waves. Please take the time to read the article and share it with your friends. I would imagine that many people would be shocked to learn about these events taking place in their own backyards.
Today, DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK will be playing at the Dark Bridges Film Festival that was given a venue by the wonderful team working at the Broadway Theater in Saskatoon. To add to their free thinking mentality and maybe because they are proud ti be Canadian, they will also be showing HOBO WITH A SHOTGUN at their theater. Seems a little strange that all this actually happened over a title, a poster, and no one watched the films before condemning them, but it did happen. It will continue to happen as long as we as a society allow it to happen.
I want to thank April for taking the time to really get into the nitty gritty of this issue with her extraordinary article. I am saddened by the turn of events by the Roxy Theater, but I am so grateful and honored to have had so many wonderful people from all walks of life stand up against this injustice and do their part in making a stand.
There may be a few people who are very far from 'getting it' or even accepting that something bigger is going on here, but there is an army of educated, free-thinking, eloquent individuals who see an injustice and do something about it. Thank you for turning what could have been very sad into something that has given me a lot of faith in the future.
Now, if you're in the area, head on over to the Broadway Theater and be ready to have some fun. The Dark Bridges Film Fest happens today and I hope everyone in attendance has a wonderful time! This became more than a festival to check out independents and I thank everyone who has supported the films and the festival through these unfortunate circumstances.
~Sylv
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