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On cinema taboos

There are just some lines you don't cross when making a movie, unless you've got a _really_ good plot reason. I think that for everyone they're going to be a little different, but we all know what it feels like when you come across one. A sort of a bad taste in your mouth if you will, or perhaps an "icky" feeling.

I've usually got a strong stomach for such things, but if you're using them for simple shock value, please don't. A few of them (for me) are listed below. And of course, there are exceptions to every rule.

Animal abuse - If an animal or pet is going to be killed by the big bad to show that they're bad, get it over with quick. Do _not_ draw it out or use it for shock value. Implied suffering still isn't great, and your movie had better be good to make up for it.

Torture - If this is going to be used as a plot point warning signs need to be given in the writing/art direction. If the writing prepares me for it I'm significantly more ok with it. Also, I'm perfectly fine with it in written media as I can place limits on my mind's eye.

Racism - This has no place in modern media that takes place in the present/future, in any way, shape or form. The perhaps one case it's acceptable is if the film takes place in the past and the writer is going for period accuracy. Even then, be very careful of overdoing it.

There's a few more that I could probably write about, but I'm not going to because it makes me too uncomfortable, but I don't think that any writers are stupid enough to use them for shock value. I think you get the point.

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