Game Of Thrones Actor Matt Smith Worries Trigger Warnings "Dumb Down" Movies And TV

As a passionate admirer of Matt Smith‘s work, I wholeheartedly resonate with his stance against trigger warnings. Growing up in the UK, I too have had my fair share of intense cinematic experiences, from Slither and Basic Instinct to Friday the 13th, which undeniably left an indelible mark on me. Yet, those moments of fear and unease were a part of my journey as a viewer, adding a layer of depth and realism that I wouldn’t have experienced if I had been warned beforehand.

Matt Smith (from House of the Dragon and The Crown) expressed firm views against the application of content warnings in entertainment. Content warnings serve to notify individuals that the material they are about to engage with, such as movies, TV shows, music, books, classes, etc., may include content that could elicit a distressing response. However, during an interview with The Times of London, Smith voiced his disapproval of this practice, asserting that it weakens the authenticity of storytelling by forewarning audiences about potentially disturbing content beforehand.

It’s regrettable when stories are held back due to the fear of the current climate. Smith voiced his misgivings about trigger warnings, stating, “It is disheartening that art could potentially lose its impact due to such alerts, for it is appropriate to feel uneasy or unsettled upon viewing a piece of art or play. However, I fear we’re watering down and simplifying the material, as we seem to be preparing audiences for the fright ahead before they even experience it.”

Smith, who has just appeared in the chilling British horror movie Starve Acre, shared his thoughts on influential films he watched as a child, such as Slither, Basic Instinct, and Friday the 13th. Although he acknowledged that some of these encounters were quite intense, he playfully commented that Friday the 13th left him traumatized. However, he underscored the value of diving into stories without any prior warnings. It’s essential to note that these films were rated by the British Board of Film Classification, so while they were given an R rating in the United States, they had a different rating there. For example, Friday the 13th is classified as a 15 for strong violence, gory scenes, threats, and sexual content.

Smith has previously expressed his opinions on certain matters, and one such instance was earlier this year when he commented on the use of trigger warnings in Doctor Who through Deadline. In a series where he played a role from 2010 to 2014, he stated that he didn’t favor the idea of giving advance warnings about potentially frightening content, as he believed part of the show’s charm was its ability to scare children in a controlled manner, and suggesting a warning beforehand would undermine that experience.

Smith’s comments add to a rising debate among British performers about whether trigger warnings are essential in artistic endeavors. Lately, actresses like Judi Dench and Ralph Fiennes have voiced similar reservations, with Fiennes telling the BBC (through Deadline) that shocks and surprises are what make theater thrilling.

As a passionate gamer and fan of the fantasy genre, I’m thrilled to share some exciting news about House of the Dragon! The makers have decided to extend our journey through Westeros for a third season. However, unlike the initial five-year plan, it appears that our tale might draw to a close after Season 4. Mark your calendars, as we’re expected to return to screens in 2026!

2024-09-03 21:39

Game Of Thrones Actor Matt Smith Worries Trigger Warnings “Dumb Down” Movies And TV

Read More

Minority Mindset