Film refused classification

15/9/93

Attorney General Cheryl Edwardes has refused to assign a classification to the film 'Salo O Le 120 Giornate Di Sodoma (120 Days of Sodom)'.

Mrs Edwardes, the Minister responsible for Censorship, said her decision made 'Salo' an 'unapproved' film which could not be shown in Western Australia.

The film is set in Nazi-occupied Italy towards the end of the Second World War and involves the abduction of a group of teenagers who are subjected to a series of degrading and obscene acts ranging from perverted sexual practices through to brutal violence and murder.

"While I am loathe to use the powers given to me under the Censorship of Films Act, I believe the film contains graphic depictions of extreme violence and sexual violence, and should not be exhibited," Mrs Edwardes said.

"After viewing the film I have concluded that the portrayal of sadistic sexual acts, brutal violence and depravity against young people goes beyond what is acceptable in terms of current community standards."

Mrs Edwardes said the disturbing elements of 'Salo' included:

·       forced sodomy;

·       the branding and burning of breasts and male genitalia;

·       people being forced to eat excreta, tacks and razor blades;

·       an explicit scalping, the cutting of a youth's tongue, the gouging-out of an eyeball;

·       urolagnia; and

·       a live rat being forced into a girl's vagina.

"These are just some of the images portrayed in the film - there are many more," the Minister said.

"The film had been banned in Australia by the Film Censorship Board for 17 years, a decision upheld as late as December 1992 - but was given an 'R' classification earlier this year by the Film and Literature Board of Review following an appeal by the distributors.

"Since then the film has been shown in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney - where newspaper reviewers have described the film as 'vile', and 'a treat for sadists and psychopaths'.

"The decision taken not to provide this film with a classification in Western Australia has been based upon careful analysis of the arguments put for and against its exhibition.

"At a time when as a community we are attempting to reduce the level of violence in society - particularly against young people and children - I could not justify giving the film a classification.

"I am not prepared to allow a film to be shown in this State that could simply serve as a 'trigger' for the perpetrators of sexual and sadistic violence."

Media contact:  Casey Cahill 222 9595