“Babies,” a new movie documentary by Thomas Balmes, follows the lives of four babies from different parts of the world. No dialogue is present, but strains of upbeat music score scenes of the kids within the care of their families. ”Babies” reviews make a point of reminding how cute it all is, but the 80-minute film distributed by Focus Features may not have that extra something that goes beyond the surface goo-goo. Adorable little ones and emotionally manipulative music may work in commercials, but a feature-length study requires more depth, say some critics. This lack of depth within the “Babies” movie has caused some minds to stray to the possibility of whether the production really violated child labor laws and will need installment loan to bail the production business o! ut of potential fines.
Did the ‘Babies’ movie mistreat a little baby?
USA Today reports that various sources are concerned over whether “Babies” subject Hattie (who lives in San Francisco) was dealt with in a way consistent with California law. 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. They are only allowed on camera 20 minutes per day, and throughout that time a studio teacher and nurse (paid for by the film’s production company) must be present. This didn’t happen with Hattie within the “Babies” movie, claim critics.
Film’s producer said those rules did not apply
The producer’s actual reason was much less standoffish. 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”. The California Labor Board has not officially opened an investigation into the “Babies” movie, but if they do, potential fines could range from $ 50 to $ 5,000 per infraction.
Blame it on California
Perhaps probably the most fiscally hamstrung state in America, 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 a lot more than adhered to both the letter and spirit of the law”.
Curious to see those ‘Babies’?
Remember, “Babies” has received some good notes. Beliefnet.com maintains in their positive review the point of the film is to “revel in 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”. So embrace your inner Sandra Bullock and go embrace “Babies” today.
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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