Matt Smith has spoken out against trigger warnings again, suggesting art and stories are being ‘dialled and dumbed down’ because of them.
The British actor, along with Ralph Fiennes, have both previously called for the scrapping of ‘trigger warnings’ – which are used at the start of shows, films, or TV episodes to let audiences know that there could be upsetting or traumatic themes in a production.
Smith is known for playing the morally dubious Prince Daemon Targaryen in the spin-off Game Of Thrones series House Of The Dragon, as well as previously taking on the role of the main character in Doctor Who, and portraying the Duke of Edinburgh in The Crown.
When asked if he likes to play polarising people by the Sunday Times, the Northampton-born actor said ‘100%’.
He added: ‘That’s the f****** point. We should be telling morally difficult stories, nowadays in particular.
‘It’s OK to feel uncomfortable or provoked while looking at a painting or watching a play, but I worry everything’s being dialled and dumbed down. We’re telling audiences they’re going to be scared before they’ve watched something.’
He also said: ‘Isn’t being shocked, surprised, stirred the point?’
The actor continued: ‘Too much policing of stories and being afraid to bring them out because a climate is a certain way is a shame. I’m not sure I’m on board with trigger warnings.
‘I used to go to a local video shop and get Slither, Basic Instinct, Disclosure, all these erotic thrillers. I was way too young to be watching them. I watched Friday The 13th when I was nine… Actually, that scarred me. Absolutely ruined me.’
The former Doctor Who star appears in the new horror film Starve Acre – out on September 6 – in which he plays Richard, an archaeologist whose life changes when his son claims he has been hearing eerie whistling sounds.
A number of other actors have previously slammed the use of trigger warnings with Harry Potter actor Fiennes previously saying theatre audiences have gone ‘too soft’ with the introduction of the cautionary warnings ahead of productions.
Last year, Sir Ian McKellen told Sky News the use of trigger warnings is ‘ludicrous’, while Quentin Tarantino told La Liberation in response to a question about his thoughts on trigger warnings: ‘I reject the word “offended”.
However, many viewers appreciate trigger warnings, as was the case when one was used ahead of the release of Zoe Kravitz directorial debut, Think Twice.
Starring Channing Tatum and Naomi Ackie, Think Twice follows tech billionaire Slater King (Channing) who invites young waitress Frida (Naomi) to his private island.
The film is described as a ‘harrowing social commentary’ focused on ‘misogyny’ by the Evening Standard and a ‘post-#MeToo feminist party-girl nightmare thriller’ by Variety.
Production companies Amazon MGM Studios and Warner Bros posted a trigger warning for ‘sexual violence’ to potential cinema-goers.
‘Trigger warning: We are proud to finally share Blink Twice with audiences in theaters worldwide this week,’ the message reads on social media.
‘Blink Twice is a psychological thriller about the abuse of power. While this is a fictionalized movie, it contains mature themes and depictions of violence — including sexual violence.
‘This may be upsetting or triggering for some viewers. For resources that offer support, visit BlinkTwiceResources.com.’
On the website, information is provided about the RAINN sexual assault hotline and No More organisation.
‘The film explores themes of sexual violence, power dynamics, and the complex experiences of sexual abuse survivors. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence — it is NOT your fault and you are NOT alone,’ the website adds.