The Edge of the Frame

As previously reported, the Derek Cianfrance’s independent feature “Blue Valentine” starring Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams was issued an NC-17 rating by the MPAA about a month ago. Many believed that the rating was completely unwarranted, given what has been released in other films that have been given R Ratings, instead. One of those protestors was the film’s producer, Hollywood heavyweight, Harvey Weinstein. He immediately assembled a team of lawyers to appeal the rating before the film screened for wider audiences.

This just in from Nikki Finke’s Deadline.com. “Blue Valentine” has prevailed in that legal battle. Mike Fleming reports:

The MPAA has overturned the NC-17 rating on the Derek Cianfrance-directed Blue Valentine. The film will be given an R rating after Harvey Weinstein personally argued his position in today’s hearing. That clears up all kinds of potential problems that awaited the film had it been released with that rating or unrated. The rating was given for a sex scene between a married couple played by Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams as their relationship disintegrates. I’m told the appeal board’s decision was unanimous.

This is absolutely great news for the film, not only with audiences, but with the Academy. It’s not very often that an NC-17 film makes it into the Oscar race without an appealed lower rating. Normally, films have to edit themselves down to receive an OK from the ratings board. “Blue Valentine”‘s battle has been won outright, without cutting a scene. Bravo, Harvey. I’m almost beginning to forgive you for whoring “The Reader” into the Best Picture nominations over “The Dark Knight.”