September 2nd 2024.
The renowned actor, Matt Smith, has once again voiced his disdain for trigger warnings, claiming that they restrict artistic expression and lead to an oversimplification of complex narratives. Along with fellow actor Ralph Fiennes, Smith has been vocal about his stance against trigger warnings, which are typically used to warn audiences about potentially distressing content in a production.
Smith, who is well-known for his portrayal of morally ambiguous characters such as Prince Daemon Targaryen in the Game of Thrones spin-off House of the Dragon, as well as the iconic role of the Doctor in Doctor Who and the Duke of Edinburgh in The Crown, was asked by the Sunday Times if he enjoys playing polarizing characters. His response was a resounding "100%."
He went on to explain, "That's the whole point. We should be telling stories that challenge our morals and make us think, especially in today's society. It's okay to feel uncomfortable or provoked by art, but I fear that everything is being watered down and simplified. By giving audiences a warning beforehand, we're already telling them how to feel before they've even experienced the story."
Smith also expressed his concern that the film and television industry is becoming "dumbed down," and questioned the purpose of art if it doesn't shock, surprise, or stir emotions. He added, "Too much censorship and fear of offending others is a shame. I'm not sure I agree with trigger warnings. Personally, I remember going to the video store as a child and renting movies like Slither, Basic Instinct, and Disclosure, which were all considered erotic thrillers. I was probably too young to watch them, but they didn't scar me for life."
The actor, who currently stars in the horror film Starve Acre, out on September 6, plays the role of Richard, an archaeologist whose life is turned upside down when his son starts hearing eerie whistling sounds. Smith is not the only actor to speak out against trigger warnings, with others such as Sir Ian McKellen and Quentin Tarantino also voicing their opposition.
However, while some in the industry may view trigger warnings as unnecessary, many viewers appreciate the consideration and sensitivity towards potentially triggering content. This was evident when a trigger warning was used for Zoe Kravitz's directorial debut, Think Twice, which delves into themes of sexual violence and power dynamics. The film, starring Channing Tatum and Naomi Ackie, has been described as a harrowing social commentary and a post-#MeToo feminist thriller.
Production companies Amazon, MGM Studios, and Warner Bros included a trigger warning for "sexual violence" in their marketing for the film, along with links to resources for support. Despite the backlash from some, the inclusion of trigger warnings can provide a sense of safety and support for those who may find the content triggering.
In the end, whether or not trigger warnings are necessary is still a topic of debate in the industry. But as Smith continues to challenge societal norms and push the boundaries with his roles, one thing is for sure - he won't shy away from telling morally complex and thought-provoking stories. After all, that's the whole point of art.
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