We went a little too far in the first Lethal Weapon, but I wanted to move more after that toward a less real and more comic-book effect, despite the great reaction we had. Public trust comes into filmmaking. The filmmaker is ultimately accountable. I can defend my own work only on personal grounds. If I'm a provocateur of anything, I hope it's good emotion and humor.
Censorship is in the ratings system.
I have a hard time with violence just to entertain, but I believe it can be very effective in getting a point across. I resorted to it in my film, but there was a conscience to it. Outlaw movies have always been a catharsis for men, but denied to women. I was extremely frustrated with the literal interpretation of Thelma and Louise. The film was supposed to be complex, without easy answers, and with flawed characters.