Matt Smith Says ‘I Worry Everything Is Being Dumbed Down’ by Trigger Warnings: ‘Too Much Policing of Stories Is a Shame’ and ‘Isn’t Being Shocked the Point?’

variety.com:

Zack Sharf Digital News Director Matt Smith recently spoke to The Times of London about his concerns over trigger warnings, saying he worries “everything’s being dialed and dumbed down” when audiences are being tipped off in advance and being told what to feel.

The “House of the Dragon” star said “the fucking point” of his acting choices as of late is that “we should be telling morally difficult stories, nowadays in particular.” “It’s ok to feel uncomfortable or provoked while looking at a painting or watching a play, but I worry everything’s being dialed and dumbed down.

We’re telling audiences they’re going to be scared before they’ve watched something,” he added. “Isn’t being shocked, surprised, stirred the point?

Too much policing of stories and being afraid to bring them out because a climate is a certain way is a shame. I’m not sure I’m on board with trigger warnings.” Smith remembered going to “a local video shop” when he was younger and seeing provocative films such as “‘Slither,’ ‘Basic Instinct,’ ‘Disclosure’ — all these erotic thrillers.