auto focus review wanted
 

I'm looking for a review of Auto Focus that addresses its censorship. I know it's listed as rated "R", which means it's probably the theatrical cut, but I'm hoping it's a mistake and there's really an uncensored version available. (Easter egg?)

It would be hard to pass up a DVD with such great extras, but that digital blurring was SO distracting I'd never be able to watch the movie that way. It would have been better if he just cut those shots. They weren't important. The blurring takes you out of the movie.

...no mention of that 'problem' in this review... nor in this review... while the IMDb's 'Alternate Versions' site has this to say... as yet there is no R2/UK DVD... fyi: the movie was passed by the BBFC without cuts, rated 18:
...from the BBFC site:
"When submitted to the BBFC the work had a running time of 105m 25s.
The running time of this film was calculated from the measured length of 9488+0 ( feet + frames ).
This work was passed with no cuts made." ... so there's hope yet (provided you are equipped to play R2/PAL discs)...

. . . :o . . .

Letterbox, have you listened to the commentary on the disc? Is the subject addressed there, perhaps?

Thanks for the review links. I didn't know one of the commentaries was only an hour.

The running time wouldn't be different because they digitally blurred the "offensive" scenes -- a la Eyes Wide Shut -- rather than cut them. It looks so stupid. I'd be interested in knowing if the censorship is mentioned in the commentary, but it wouldn't make watching the movie by itself any easier.

Looks like I have another bootleg to look for next time I go to Hong Kong.

Yes, it is. Schrader mentions that he could have cut the scene or left it in with the blocking to maintain an "R" rating and he (obviously) chose the latter...

Watched the disc this weekend. It seems that Schrader took the same approach that Todd Solondz did with Storytelling, choosing to leave the digital blocking in place in order to call attention to the hypocrisy behind the MPAA's forcing him to censor the movie.

Unfortunately, Columbia TriStar has not provided an unrated version of the movie.

I am so disappointed. At least Happiness gave you the option to watch it unblocked. I don't think I'll buy this one now unlessI find it under $10. Shame on Schrader. (I'm still waiting for him to release "Hardcore.")

Thanks for the answers.