As times change, some classic movies now come with warnings about outdated content. The warnings alert viewers that the films may contain material that does not meet today’s standards for inclusion and tolerance. While some viewers think the warnings are unnecessary, others appreciate being prepared for insensitive depictions.
The latest classic film to receive such a warning is the 1990 Martin Scorsese movie Goodfellas. The cable network AMC recently aired the film with this disclaimer:
“This film includes language and/or cultural stereotypes that are inconsistent with today’s standards of inclusion and tolerance and may offend some viewers.”
The warning was first added during the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, when many businesses aimed to avoid offending certain groups. However, other films with similar content, like The Godfather, have not received warnings about “cultural stereotypes” on AMC.
Critics Argue Against “Political Correctness”
Some involved with Goodfellas criticized the new warning as excessive “political correctness.” Bo Ditel, a former police officer who played an officer in the film, stated: “The political correctness has taken everything away. This is how life was back then. You can’t cleanse history. If you want to tell true history, you gotta tell it the way it is.”
Michael Franzese, a former captain in the Colombo crime family, simply said: “We don’t need anyone protecting mob guys. It’s crazy.”
As audience sensitivities evolve, questions remain about which classic films should bear cautionary notices. Only time will tell if the Goodfellas warning and similar advisories will continue.