Xavier Dolan objects to plan for censorship of his video
Quebec director Xavier Dolan is at the centre of a storm of controversy over a music video he directed for French group Indochine.
The black-and-white video for College Boy shows a teen being attacked, at first with paper missiles, but later with punches and kicks, while other students stand by with blindfolds over their eyes as the harassment continues.
It concludes with a crucifixion scene in which the boy is hoisted on a cross and shot. When the police arrive, they too start shooting at the teenager on the cross, while his attackers feign innocence.
French telecom watchdog, the Conseil suprieur de l'audiovisuel, is considering whether the video is too violent, with one board member saying she is very concerned about the content. It may consider limiting viewing of the video to after 10 p.m. and placing restrictions on whether the video can be viewed by people under age 16.
So far, no French stations have aired the video, fearing there might be backlash.
YouTube has put a warning on the video and in some markets, does not show the entire violent sequence, instead switching to shots of the band playing.
Dolan told CBC News he finds the plan for censorship ridiculous, when young people see regular images of violence on TV screens and hip-hop videos with negative portrayals of women.
"Im not surprised there is a reaction, Im surprised were talking about censorship because I think there is a crucial age and that is 11, 10, 13, 14, 15 the teenage years, when things still have a strong impression on you," he said.
"This is the age you need to be educated on violence and the true consequences."
The 24-year-old Quebec filmmaker has drawn attention with films such as Jai Tu Ma Mre (I Killed My Mother) and Laurence Anyways. The video sends an anti-bullying message and he says he wanted to illustrate how those who watch schoolyard attacks are complicit in bullying.
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Xavier Dolan objects to plan for censorship of his video