Key Takeaways:
– Zoë Kravitz originally titled her directorial debut ‘P*ssy Island.' However, due to societal discomfort and resistance to the word, she changed the title.
– Kravitz initially chose the controversial title in an attempt to reclaim the word.
– Kravitz did meet with resistance, including from the MPA, theater owners, and even female audiences.
– Ultimately, Kravitz renamed the film ‘Blink Twice' to facilitate wider distribution.
Before we dive in, let's clear something up. The new movie by Zoë Kravitz is called ‘Blink Twice.' But blink twice, and you may miss the film's original and somewhat scandalous name – ‘P*ssy Island.'
Why Change The Title?
Zoë Kravitz, in her interview with Entertainment Weekly, admitted that the original title became a barrier to her project's progress. She determined that society isn't ready to innocently embrace the term ‘p*ssy' yet. As a result, we saw everything from the MPA (formerly the MPAA) refusing to place the title on posters, to movie theaters declining to print the name on tickets.
Interestingly, Kravitz found that women, who she hoped would support her reclaiming the word, were among the detractors. Many said they wouldn't want to see the movie just based on its title. In Kravitz's words, “Interestingly enough, after researching it, women were offended by the word…”
A Battle Not Worth Fighting?
For creators and filmmakers, their work's accessibility to audiences often factors into decision-making. It's essential to uphold artistic integrity, but what's the point if your film can't reach the audiences you want? Kravitz grappled with this issue and ultimately bowed her head to make her directorial debut project more palatable.
This meant swapping out the gutsy initial title for a more acceptable ‘Blink Twice.' The decision reflected Kravitz's responsibility as a filmmaker to listen and respond flexibly to public reactions.
The Road Ahead for ‘Blink Twice'
‘Blink Twice,' starring Channing Tatum and Naomi Ackie, now has a path cleared for broader distribution and accessibility. It's scheduled to hit theaters on August 23rd.
Challenging societal norms is a noble attempt, yet it appears society, in this instance, wasn't prepared for the challenge. Social discourse and public perception are decisive variables when it comes to movie reception. As Kravitz learned, it sometimes may just be easier to play nice, especially if you're trying to expose your directorial debut to the masses.
So, what are your thoughts on the title change from ‘P*ssy Island' to ‘Blink Twice?' Was Zoë Kravitz's move essential, or was it an overreaction? Pop these thoughts into the comments section. Let's continue the discussion there!
In summary, titles play a massive role in shaping a project's reception. They significantly influence who gets to see the film, how it's marketed, and how it's discussed – as Zoë Kravitz learned the hard way.
