The R-Rated Superhero Movie: A Yay Or Nay?

Free From Studio Interference?

There’s this strange idea where people believe R-rated means free from studio interference. While it does liberate the filmmakers from worrying about censorship codes, it doesn’t mean the execs will keep their greedy paws to themselves.

Look at Kick-Ass 2, for example, which reeks of the resultant blood from numerous fist fights and heads bashing. The first film shined because no one thought it’d do so well and let Matthew Vaughn do what he wanted. As soon as it made money, the suits took over and the rest is history.

Now, imagine if the film in question is Batman. With so much money at stake, both in terms of investment and box-office returns, do you think Warner Bros. would allow an auteur to make the film he/she envisions? Not a chance. There would be consultants and “experts” weighing in with their two cents at every opportunity. We’d probably end up with a new origin story where Bruce Wayne is the result of a union between Thomas Wayne and a satanic bat. Full creative freedom is a myth in Hollywood.