Latest news with #TheAbyss'
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Disney ‘evades animal-cruelty law' over rat-drowning scene
Disney has been accused of exploiting a loophole in animal cruelty rules by screening scenes of a rodent being forcibly immersed in a liquid. The RSPCA has criticised Disney over its decision to screen the scene in the film The Abyss where a real rat is deliberately submerged in fluorocarbon liquid. The scene has been cut from all previous screenings of the film after being banned by the British Board for Film Classification (BBFC) from cinema and TV over animal welfare concerns. The BBFC took advice from the RSPCA, the largest animal welfare charity in the UK, which said the 'forcible immersion of the rat caused terror' and amounted to animal cruelty. Because streaming platforms such as Disney+ are not covered to the same standards by BBFC or Ofcom rules as cinema, DVD or traditional TV channels, they are not technically breaching any codes. David Bowles, the RSPCA's head of public affairs, said: 'The RSPCA is really concerned that a loophole currently exists allowing animal abuse scenes deemed unacceptable elsewhere to be streamed freely and legally into our homes. 'The Abyss' controversial rat scene has long concerned the RSPCA, and has always been deemed unacceptable by BBFC – so it's hard to fathom out why Disney+ has decided to broadcast it. We need to ensure people are not being exposed to content which promotes or showcases cruelty to animals. 'As the way millions of households consume entertainment changes, it's vital the legal framework is responsive to that and continues to consistently protect people and animals.' While the rats used during filming are said to have survived the ordeal, the scene remains prohibited from UK cinema screenings, DVD and traditional TV. Given the infliction of terror, the scene was cut by the BBFC under the Cinematograph Films (Animals) Act 1937, meaning it must be cut for any theatrical use. The BBFC – as the regulator of content released on physical media – has also cut the scene under the Video Recordings Act 1984, meaning it must not be included on releases on formats such as Blu-Ray and DVD. UK television channels must also adhere to the Ofcom Broadcasting Code – which states no material cut refused classification by the BBFC may be broadcast to viewers – meaning the scene should also not be aired on traditional TV. Streaming platforms, however, are not bound by the same standards as film releases in cinema, DVD or on traditional television – and the RSPCA fears this provides a 'loophole' to broadcasting animal abuse long considered unacceptable on other mediums. A new piece of legislation – the Media Act – enhances Ofcom's regulation of streaming services, and the regulator is due to publish a new video-on-demand code. The RSPCA said it hoped this would deliver a 'degree of consistency' with animal-abuse content standards across cinema, home entertainment and streaming services. Many streaming services already work with the BBFC on a voluntary basis and the RSPCA hopes Ofcom will highlight this work as good practice in the new code. Mr Bowles said: 'We hope a new code of conduct under the Media Act will help close this loophole – but we need to see a degree of consistency between streaming platforms and other forms of more traditional entertainment, so people can have confidence when watching films and other shows. 'It doesn't make sense that we have robust safeguards for animal-related content shown in cinemas, on DVDs or on traditional television channels – yet those protections could go out the window when you turn on a major streaming service. We can't backtrack now on what society deems is acceptable in terms of how we treat animals.' Disney+ has been contacted for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Edinburgh Live
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
James Cameron's little-known 'best film' is now on Netflix but nearly killed him
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info James Cameron, the mastermind behind some of the biggest blockbusters like Avatar and its sequel, the first two Terminator movies, Titanic, and Aliens, has another gem that's now streaming on Netflix. The Abyss, a film that might not be as well-known but is packed with some of the most harrowing (read: near fatal) production tales - many shared by the cast and crew themselves over time. The 1989 sci-fi epic was shot in massive water tanks built inside a disused power station in Gaffney, South Carolina, marking Cameron's initial foray into certain techniques and technologies he would later refine and use in Titanic and Avatar. The Abyss' filming demanded that the cast and crew spend long hours submerged in water, clad in diving gear, which proved to be not just demanding but also led to some sharp remarks from the actors afterwards, particularly Ed Harris who infamously referred to his experience as "a bitch." The shoot even almost claimed the life of James Cameron himself. One critic hailed the movie as "colossally ambitious", saying: "This logistically boggling and technically brilliant film from writer-director James Cameron is a visual tour de force, featuring overall, the greatest underwater sequences ever seen on film." Featuring Ed Harris, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Michael Biehn, Leo Burmester, Todd Graff, and John Bedford Lloyd, James Cameron's deep-sea saga 'The Abyss' was initially deemed a box-office letdown, raking in just $90 million against its $42 million budget, reports the Express. (Image: (Image: AP)) Despite the lukewarm financial reception, the movie scooped up an array of awards, bagging an Oscar for visual effects and earning nods for art direction, sound, and cinematography. Reflecting on the gruelling production process, James Cameron told Variety: "The Abyss was tough on everybody. "I used to be underwater eight to 10 hours a day, six days a week for 10 straight weeks. If you're a scuba diver, you know that a two-dive day is a heavy day as a diver. "I used to fall asleep at night with my dinner plate on my chest and I'd wake up in the morning and it's still there - I hadn't moved all night. So it was physically taxing for me and for them [the cast]. "It was a tough shoot. There was no way for me to make it easier on everybody than what it was, other than to just not do it. And that's not my style. "I mean, I did try to make it as easy as possible. But you see the work." A critic said: "Anyone looking for a discouraging word about this stupendously exciting and emotionally engulfing film should read no further. The Abyss confirms James Cameron as a world-class filmmaker." (Image: (Image: Channel 4)) One reviewer, completely taken by the film, added: "Blew my mind way back when it came out, and it blew it again in my recent revisit. James Cameron had already left his mark in water-related films, even before Titanic and Avatar," while another shared: "After all these years, James Cameron's The Abyss remains the most intense movie I have ever seen." A fan of the film praised it, saying: "James Cameron's best film imo (in my opinion). A work of art that was very difficult to make, but it was worth it. "The performances, set design, storyline and special effects are beyond amazing. This is top of the line film at the highest level of all time. Perfection! !". Another enthusiast said: "Audience: Back in the 90's, I had the pleasure of experiencing this mind-blowing sci-fi film, and even to this day, it continues to captivate me. Undoubtedly, it has secured its place as one of my all-time favorites in the genre. However, let me tell you, the uncut version takes the brilliance to a whole new level. "James Cameron had to make some tough decisions for the theatrical release, resulting in some brutal cuts. Yet, the impact of this film remains undeniable. The special effects showcased in this cinematic wonder left me in awe. It's astonishing how they have stood the test of time, retaining their power and allure even years later."
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
This Dutch Thriller Is The Top Movie On Netflix Right Now
'iHostage' is currently the most popular movie on Netflix, according to the platform's public ranking system. The Dutch thriller premiered on the platform on April 18 and is based on true events that occurred at an Apple store in Amsterdam in 2022. Director Bobby Boermans lives near the scene of the actual incident and witnessed the news story as it unfolded at the time. The plot of the film mostly follows what occurred in real life ― an armed man enters the store, takes a customer hostage and threatens to blow up the building if he's not paid a massive sum of money. Read on for more trending movies of the moment across streaming services, including Hulu, Max, Disney+ and Peacock. And if you want to stay informed about all things streaming, subscribe to the Streamline newsletter. The most popular movie on Hulu right now is 'The Order,' a crime thriller based on the 1989 book 'The Silent Brotherhood: The Chilling Inside Story of America's Violent, Anti-Government Militia Movement.' Starring Jude Law, the film centers on an FBI agent pursuing a white supremacist terrorist group and its leader (played by Nicholas Hoult). 'The Order,' which had a limited theatrical release following its premiere at the 2024 Venice International Film Festival, also features Tye Sheridan, Jurnee Smollett, Alison Oliver and Marc Maron. 'Companion' is the most popular movie on Max at the moment. The sci-fi thriller joined the platform on April 18. Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid star as a couple on a trip with friends at a remote lake house, where the group quickly learns things are not as they seem. The 2025 'Wolf Man' reboot is now available to stream on Peacock following a theatrical release in January. Christopher Abbott plays a man trying to protect his wife (Julia Garner) and daughter (Matilda Firth) from a werewolf. The 1989 sci-fi hit 'The Abyss' joined Disney+ in updated 4K resolution on April 11. Directed by James Cameron, the film stars Ed Harris, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio and Michael Biehn, and it follows a mission to recover a U.S. submarine after it sinks in the Caribbean Sea. 'The Abyss' won an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. Ryan Coogler's 'Sinners' Deserves The Hype — But 1 Thing Kept It From Being A Horror Masterpiece The New Season Of 'Boarders' Feels Especially Relevant Right Now These Political Thrillers Are Hitting A Little Too Close To Home
