New film ‘severely’ triggering

New Zealand’s Chief Censor has required the warning note for the movie A Star is Born be updated to include ‘‘suicide’’ after Police Victim Support responded to two vulnerable young people ‘‘severely triggered’’ by the movie.

A Star is Born, starring Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga, was not classified by the Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC) when it was released in New Zealand.

It had been rated an M (Unrestricted, suitable for 16 years and over) in Australia so was automatically cross-rated M here by the Film & Video Labelling Body, with the descriptive note: ‘‘Sex scenes, offensive language and drug use’’.

Chief Censor David Shanks said he required an update to the description after receiving complaints, including from health care providers and the Mental Health Foundation.

‘‘The first complaint involved Police Victim Support advising they responded to two vulnerable young people who had been severely triggered by the scene.’’

Although A Star Is Born ‘‘handles the topic relatively sensitively’’, the OFLC felt it was best to add a warning, particularly with New Zealand’s ‘‘appalling suicide rate’’, Shanks says.

Overseas, debate is raging on whether the movie should have had a trigger warning. Some say they felt taken aback and would have appreciated a heads up that addiction and suicide featured in the movie. Rural Support Trust 787 254; Samaritans Suicide Crisis Helpline

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Anxiety NZ

Supporting Families in Mental Illness – 0800 732 825; Alcoholics Anonymous – 0800 AA WORKS or aa.org.nz; Alcohol Drug Helpline – 0800 787 797