Last night, IFC hosted a one-night-only Director’s Cut version of Lars von Trier‘s controversial new film The House That Jack Built ahead of the film's R-rated theatrical release on December 14th. Well, those screenings have gotten IFC Films in big trouble with the MPAA.
As reported by Deadline, the MPAA claims that the one-night-only Director’s Cut screenings of The House That Jack Built have violated MPAA rules, with the site stating that “rather than being the abridged R-rated version that hits theaters in two weeks, they were of a decidedly gorier unrated director’s cut.” Adding that, “IFC faces potential sanctions over the screenings.”
The MPAA says that they have "communicated to the distributor, IFC Films, that the screening of an unrated version of the film in such close proximity to the release of the rated version – without obtaining a waiver – is in violation of the rating system’s rules. The effectiveness of the MPAA ratings depends on our ability to maintain the trust and confidence of American parents. That’s why the rules clearly outline the proper use of the ratings. Failure to comply with the rules can create confusion among parents and undermine the rating system – and may result in the imposition of sanctions against the film’s submitter.”
IFC will be able to plead their case very soon, but the MPAA could possibly revoke the "R" rating that they originally gave the film, presumably making The House That Jack Built un-releasable in theaters. And with a theatrical release only two weeks away, that could spell trouble for IFC.
Well keep you updated on this topic as it develops.