It's a classic film that is near-universally beloved but when The Snapper aired on RTE on Saturday evening, it sparked a considerable debate online.
It wasn't the movie itself that divided opinion but, rather, a warning delivered by the broadcaster before the first scene of the 1993 flick aired on TV. RTE issued a preemptive warning to anyone who could potentially be offended by the content of the movie adaptation of Roddy Doyle's novel, which tackles the pregnancy journey and home life of Sharon Curley (played by Tina Kellegher).
"Now on RTE One, with audio description available, a young pregnant woman becomes talk of the town in Roddy Doyle's classic, The Snapper," the warning said. "And just to remind you that this movie is set in a different time and highlights attitudes that some people might find upsetting."
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The above message, a reference to the plot which centres around an inebriated Sharon being impregnated by a man she despises, divided opinion among viewers. Some criticised RTE's decision to include a trigger warning for the film.
"It's sad that RTE have to issue a warning to people in advance of watching the Snapper," one person commented. "Awful snowflake generation coming through."
Another added: "What sort of nanny state have we become when the RTE Continuity announcer has to issue a warning/ apology before The Snapper......FFS."
Others, however, felt it was appropriate to provide a disclaimer to viewers because of how culture has progressed since its initial release. One social media responded: "Remember watching the Snapper a number of years ago.
"I found the scene were the young girl gets pregnant in a car park upsetting. I can see why there would be a warning prior to the movie."
Another commented: "What did you think of warning before The Snapper tonight? Roddy Doyle's a comic genius & covers some serious subjects but agree the burgess character is problematic!"
What do you think of the RTE warning? Feel free to let us know in the comments.
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