”Babies,” the documentary movie by Thomas Balmes, is a chronicle of the lives of four infants from different backgrounds. The film is without dialogue, but bouncy music scores the moments of these infants’ lives. ”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 calls for a lot more depth, say some critics. The “Babies” movie has been gaining less plot attention and a lot more noise for claims the product may have violated child labor laws (and may need no faxing payday loans to dig their way out from under a potential mountain of fines).
Did the ‘Babies’ movie mistreat just 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 can 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. In the case of the “Babies” movie, critics claim they didn’t follow the rules with little Hattie.
Film producer said the exact same rules didn’t apply
The producer’s actual reason was much less standoffish. In actuality, “Babies” producer Amandine Billot informed the Associated Press the children were cast while still unborn. After their birth, they were filmed “in their natural environments, like a wildlife film of human babies,” Billot said. 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 decide to move forward.
California, the anti-’Babies’ state
California certainly needs cash, so they could effortlessly choose to go after the film. CEO James Schamus is ready for a fight, nevertheless. 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. ”The filmmakers more than adhered to both the letter and spirit of the law,” exclaimed Schamus.
Curious to see those ‘Babies’?
Remember, “Babies” has received some optimistic notes. In fact, here’s one that’s quite good from Beliefnet.com, which claims the documentary, when simple, is “meant 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”. Just like Sandra Bullock, brining new “Babies” into your life is not a bad thing.
Sources for the article
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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