Cleanflix

Cleanflix is a fascinating and highly engaging documentary from 2009 that delves into the controversial world of 'sanitizing' Hollywood movies for family-friendly audiences, particularly among the Mormon community in Utah. The film prominently features Ray Lines, Allan Erb, and Scott Nybo, in addition to a range of other relevant, deeply involved figures.

The film explores the cultural, ethical, and legal clashes between defenders of artistic integrity, entrepreneurs attempting to cater to a niche Mormon market, and families striving to consume, what they deem to be, morally acceptable home entertainment. At the core of this debate sits the title business, Cleanflix - a chain of video rental stores that provided 'clean' versions of Hollywood movies.

Lines, Nybo, and Erb, amongst others, represent a group of ultra-conservative entrepreneurs who exercised the practice of re-editing Hollywood's R-rated films and adulterated them into 'clean' versions, devoid of profanity, nudity, sexuality, and violence. They did this using several creative and controversial editing techniques, mitigating elements that they believed conflicted with the Mormon community's values and beliefs.

While these revised versions were remarkably popular among their target audience, they didn't sit well with Hollywood. Filmmakers and industry insiders voiced their outrage and concern at having their artistic visions chopped and adulterated without their permission. The plot thickens as Cleanflix is taken to court by Hollywood studios for copyright infringement, bringing to the fore an intense legal battle.

While the central focus of Cleanflix is the clash between censorship and artistic freedom, it also meticulously addresses larger moral, cultural, and legal questions surrounding the consumption of media, censorship, audiences' sensitivities, and changing cultural values. Directors Andrew James and Joshua Ligari adeptly weave two compelling narrative threads throughout the film: one concerning the rise and fall of the Cleanflix business, and the other exploring individual entrepreneurs embroiled in the controversy.

Cleanflix gains strength and credibility by offering a wide range of perspectives to the audience. It doesn't simply alienate or demonize its subjects but instead offers a balanced, fair, and unbiased perspective. The filmmakers interview numerous people from both sides of the aisle, including Cleanflix customers, Mormon leaders, and Hollywood filmmakers and actors. These interviews add depth to the issues at stake, presenting a mosaic of varied and occasionally conflicting opinions, thereby making the documentary engaging and thought-provoking throughout.

The film's narrative is enriched by the complexities and contradictions of its characters. Ray Lines initially emerges as a well-intentioned businessman setting up a service to cater to an underserved market. Conversely, Allan Erb appears to take a more conflictual stance, focusing on the rights of filmmakers and copyright laws. And Scott Nybo, who enters the film in a fascinating twist, significantly deepens the narrative by transforming it into a commentary on personal morality, hypocrisy, and societal standards.

Cleanflix is a documentary that goes beyond just recounting events. It offers a compelling exploration of moralities, communities, belief systems, and the often convoluted pathway businesses must navigate in balancing these facets. It's well-structured and informative, balancing legal and moral discussions with personal narratives. Furthermore, it prompts viewers to consider and question their understanding of censorship, media consumption, and moral policing.

The film does not attempt to provide definitive answers, leaving many of the questions raised open-ended for viewers to ponder. Instead, it presents a snapshot of a unique cultural moment, marked by tension between progressive artistic pursuits and conservative societal norms. Cleanflix brilliantly captures this tension, making for an intellectually stimulating and engaging watch. This documentary succeeds in not only recounting an interesting piece of pop culture history but also in tackling big, universal themes that continue to resonate in today's media landscape.