Judi Dench Criticizes Theater Trigger Warnings

Dame Judi Dench, aged 91, expressed strong opinions against trigger warnings in theaters and movies. She referred to these warnings as “mollycoddling” in an interview with The Times. Dench shared her thoughts in a preview excerpt of her upcoming memoir, Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It?

Dench, a veteran in both stage and screen, argued that current trigger warnings have exceeded reasonable limits. She feels they have replaced traditional age restrictions and precautionary alerts for sound effects. Dench stated, “It drives me wild” to see how far these warnings have gone.

If you’re that sensitive, don’t go to the theater.

Dench emphasized the need to maintain warnings for strobe lighting and gunshots, alongside age restrictions for children. However, she questioned where the end might be if warnings continue to expand. In her view, overusing trigger warnings could spoil classic narratives by stripping them of surprise and diluting impactful content.

She humorously noted that warnings for Titus Andronicus might end up being longer than the play itself. She questioned if revealing plot twists in an Agatha Christie play to avoid shocking the audience was necessary.

Dench expressed her desire to experience emotions in a theater, saying, “I want to be triggered, excited, stimulated, provoked and disturbed.” She believes this is what makes theater and films thrilling.

Dench highlighted the subjectivity of triggers, giving examples like balloons, clowns, and even bananas. She described a friend who feels physically sick upon seeing bananas, questioning if supermarkets should then post warnings in the fruit aisle. Such thoughts highlight her exasperation with the extent of trigger warnings.

She had shared similar views in a 2024 interview, acknowledging the reasons behind advisory notices but maintaining those overly sensitive should avoid theater altogether. “If you’re that sensitive, don’t go to the theater because you could be very shocked,” she reiterated.

Christian Toto, a film critic and “Hollywood in Toto” podcast host, commented on Dench’s statements. He acknowledged Dench’s observations as “obvious,” yet appreciated her for voicing them. Toto stated, “Almost anything in art can be triggering, all depending on the audience.” He commended Dench for her clear stand and encouragement to engage with art without fear.