”Babies,” the documentary movie by Thomas Balmes, is a chronicle of the lives of four infants from different backgrounds. No dialogue is present, but strains of upbeat music score scenes of the children within the care of their families. “Babies” reviews have typically admitted that when the 80-minute Focus Features film is cute, it may be too simplistic. Adorable little ones and emotionally manipulative music may work in commercials, but a feature-length study demands a lot more depth, say some critics. In fact, less attention is being paid to no matter what message the “Babies” movie may offer than whether the documentary violates child labor laws in its handling of the youngsters – and whether Focus Features will need no faxing payday loan to cover potential fines.
Were the ‘Babies’ within the movie exploited?
According to USA Today , “Babies” baby little Hattie of San Francisco may not have been used in a manner in synch with California child labor laws. In that state, infants must be at least 15 days old and have a doctor’s note and legal permits before they could be filmed commercially. In addition, California infants may only be on camera up to 20 minutes per day in such a venture, and at that time they must be accompanied by a nurse and a studio teacher for which the producers of the film project must pay. This didn’t happen with Hattie within the “Babies” movie, claim critics.
Film producer said the exact same rules didn’t apply
Perhaps the producer was attempting to big-time Hattie’s family. The subject infants in “Babies” were cast before they were born, said producer Amandine Billot to the Associated Press. Upon their entry to the outside world, said Billot, the children were recorded “in their natural environments, like a wildlife film of human babies”. While no investigation has officially begun, the “Babies” movie team could face fines ranging from $ 50 to as much as $ 5,000 per event if child labor experts determine to move forward.
Blame it on California
Perhaps one of the most fiscally hamstrung state in The United States, California might be a thorn in Focus Features’ side. Thus, CEO James Schamus of Focus Features is preparing for the worst. He told the AP that no child labor laws were violated and vehemently stated that “irresponsible conjectures” against the “Babies” movie are just that – mere speculation. Schamus underscored that “the filmmakers more than adhered to both the letter and spirit of the law”.
Curious to see those ‘Babies’?
Not all the “Babies” reviews are negative. In fact, here’s one that’s quite optimistic from Beliefnet.com, which claims the documentary, while simple, is “meant to revel within the miracles, radiant innocence and fun nature of babies. You won’t be able to leave the theater without feelings of warmth, happiness and delight”. Just like Sandra Bullock, brining new “Babies” into your life is not a bad thing.
Sources
USA Today
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/entertainment/post/2010/05/did-babies-break-the-law-/1
Beliefnet.com
http://blog.beliefnet.com/yourlittlecuties/2010/05/movie-review-babies.html
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