Pride director Matthew Warchus has admitted that he “understands” why all overt references to homosexuality were removed from the U.S. DVD release of the film, calling it a “clumsy” but “valid” strategy.
The wording of the film’s synopsis was changed for the U.S. release to remove a reference to “gay and lesbian activists,” while a banner for ‘Lesbians & Gays Support the Miners’ was digitally removed from the photo on the back of the case.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, he explained why he could understand the decision:
“Changing the cover is kind of clumsy and a bit foolish. But this is a film that is loved by people of all political persuasions and sexual orientations. I’m just keen for as many people who have yet to see the film to see it.”
He went on to explain that he “didn’t want to preach to the converted” and wanted the film “to find a mainstream audience [and] broaden people’s minds.”
“I think someone in the marketing department in the US used their marketing judgement to try to remove any barrier to the widest possible audience.”
Arguing that the “nature of marketing” is “over-simplification [and] reductive,” he continued:
“It’s clumsily done but I understand it and it’s a valid instinct.”
U.S. distributor CBS Films announced that it is “looking into” why the changes were made for the DVD, which was released on December 23rd.