The Motion Picture Association of America, or PAA, consists of seven major entertainment giants: Disney, Warner Bros., Universal, Columbia, MGM, Paramount, and 20th Century Fox. The heads and presidents of these companies serve as its members.
Back in mid-July, Saw was submitted to the PAA for its rating review for the first time. This was right when Spider-Man was dominating the summer box office, sweeping everything in its path. Naturally, this made the other big players a little jealous and wary.
On top of that, Saw was undeniably intense—super scary and gory. So, the PAA slapped it with an NC-17 rating.
An NC-17 rating basically means it's an adult-only film. No country in the world would let it hit theaters on a wide scale with that label. Dunn had big hopes for Saw, planning to pit it against Disney's Unbreakable in November. For that to work, it had to be widely released.
So, Zack Snyder went back to the editing room, toned down some of the more unsettling stuff, and resubmitted it to the PAA. This time, Dunn was feeling pretty confident.
Here's why: In August, Dunn had cheered on Warner Bros. and Columbia's films, so they owed him a favor. Universal was already a partner of Dunn Pictures, so they'd back him up. Paramount's Mission: Impossible 2 had crushed it at the box office, thanks to director John Woo—someone Dunn had recommended. Plus, Spider-Man and Mission: Impossible 2 didn't clash, letting Tom Cruise's flick snag the second-highest spot of the summer. That's a solid bond right there.
Out of the seven companies, at least four would likely side with Dunn. Even if Disney played hardball, a majority vote would push Saw into R-rated territory.
But during the rating process, some unexpected twists popped up.
Universal: "I think the trimmed-down Saw fits the R-rating standard just fine."
Disney: "No way! Saw glorifies violence and is way too bloody. Unless you're an adult with a fully formed worldview, those disturbing scenes are unbearable."
Paramount: "Saw isn't that different from the B-grade horror flicks of the '70s. There's precedent—it can be R."
Disney: "Back then, the rating system wasn't refined. The PAA has to keep up with the times!"
Columbia: "They cut a lot from Saw, and to me, that shows real effort. We shouldn't hold back a great movie over a rating. It's R-level!"
Disney: "Times have changed! Today's audiences live in a peaceful, stable world. They're more fragile than past generations. For their mental health, this has to stay NC-17!"
Warner Bros.: "Oh, come on. As times evolve, people's horizons should broaden, not shrink. R is fine!"
Four companies in a row backed an R rating. With that, the debate was pretty much over—majority rules! Saw was set to be an R-rated horror flick.
Then, surprisingly, MGM and 20th Century Fox chimed in too, agreeing it should be R-rated, no question. Final tally: 6 to 1! Disney's objections didn't stand a chance. Saw would hit theaters as an R-rated movie without a hitch.
In this showdown with Disney, Dunn Pictures came out on top!
When Dunn got the good news from his secretary, Isla Fisher, he was on a call with Jack Nicholson. Rumors had been swirling—gossip about a supposed "ban" on Dunn—but everyone, from Dunn Pictures to Disney to the stars involved, denied ever hearing about it. Pure hype, nothing more.
Jack Nicholson, though, knew the real story. He'd been celebrating the Lakers' championship when he saw in the papers that Dunn had parted ways with his agency and was brushing off Disney's pressure. That lit a fire under him.
He really admired Dunn—this young guy with talent, guts, and a humble, respectful attitude. He hated the idea of Disney grinding Dunn down and forcing him to back off.
"Dunn, if you need help, just say it! I've got some buddies in Hollywood. We can rally a crew. This industry belongs to all of us filmmakers—I refuse to believe Disney can run wild forever!"
Dunn was touched by Nicholson's offer to step in. These old-timers might not keep up with every trend, but they're the backbone of Hollywood. Even if they've stepped back, they've got the actors' guild, writers' guild, directors' guild, and more in their corner, balancing power with the big six studios.
Dunn chuckled. "I've already got a plan for this 'ban' thing, so no need to trouble you."
"Oh, you've got it figured out? Good! Don't be afraid—if it comes to it, we'll just spark a few strikes and watch it all burn down together!" Jack Nicholson, true to his passionate fanboy nature, wasn't kidding around.
A strike would cost Hollywood hundreds of millions, maybe billions. As part of the industry, Dunn wouldn't push that button unless he had no choice.
"No strikes needed—I've got this," Dunn said, relieved. Then an idea hit him. "Oh, by the way, because of this ban rumor, one of the actors in my movie's dropping out. Could you step in and help me out?"
"What, that pirate flick?"
"No, it's one I'm directing myself—A Beautiful Mind. If all goes well, we'll start shooting this month."
Jack Nicholson perked up. "You're doing an artsy film now? Nice! What's the role?"
"It's a supporting part, not too big. The main character imagines an FBI agent in his head. I'd lined up Ed Harris, but… seems he'd rather stick with Disney."
"Ed Harris?" Nicholson snorted dismissively. "That guy's tight with Jerry Bruckheimer. Probably still dreaming of Disney gold. Fool! Oh well—if he didn't bail, how would I get to join a movie you're directing?"
Dunn lit up. "Wait, Mr. Nicholson, you're in? Don't you want to see the script first?"
Nicholson laughed heartily. "Of course I'll check the script, but I'm already set on joining A Beautiful Mind. Just tell my agent!"
"Awesome! Thank you so much, Mr. Jack Nicholson. With you on board, A Beautiful Mind is going to shine even brighter!" Dunn couldn't stop grinning.
Sometimes, the respect you show others comes back to you in the best ways. Treating people right? Turns out it's a pretty solid move.
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