White Pictures' third movie is perceived as a comedy, despite its increased budget and an emphasis on action scenes. The film, Detective Beverly, has an interesting history regarding its genre and how it's classified under the American film rating system.
In the U.S., R-rated films come with some complexity in their audience restrictions. While they suggest viewers under 17 should have parental guidance, they aren't strictly off-limits to younger audiences. This led to the curious case of Detective Beverly, originally an R-rated movie with intense action, being categorized as a comedy under White Pictures. William White, in response to critics, opted to take a nonchalant approach, dismissing the dissenting voices as mere background noise.
The stringent review standards of the era, especially concerning police-themed films, faced scrutiny. Some argued that a movie like Detective Beverly, considered lowbrow, should retain its R-rating. White Films chose not to engage with these debates, instead adopting an indifferent stance.
Eddie Murphy's debut as the lead actor in Detective Beverly marked a significant milestone, and the payment structure was unique in Hollywood. White Films implemented a payment system based on an actor's contribution, which was quite different from the traditional payment model in the industry. William White's decision to share box office earnings with actors earned both appreciation and resentment from others in the film business.
William White, who held the roles of director and screenwriter, received a share of the box office earnings, distinct from the earnings of the actors. This separation ensured that the company's success didn't inadvertently inflate his personal income. This strategy took into account the tax implications and the vigilant tax bureau in the United States.
Detective Beverly, with its blend of comedy and action, exemplified William White's understanding of what resonates with audiences. The importance of strong character contrasts for audience engagement became evident in his filmmaking philosophy.
As Detective Beverly ventured into the comedy genre with action sequences and a somewhat clichéd plot, William White acknowledged the importance of a protagonist who served as a stark contrast. The movie aimed to provide a sense of substitution for the audience, a factor crucial for success in movies and novels.
The film, despite its clichéd plot, succeeded in injecting an element of surprise. The real challenge lay in the portrayal of the protagonist. Eddie Murphy's understanding of his role evolved from initial ignorance during the filming of Police School.
The cinematic portrayal of Los Angeles as a hub of criminal activity, often perpetuating stereotypes, garnered criticism. While the city's security situation was better than portrayed, the narrative in movies tended to sensationalize. Houston, with a high rate of gun ownership, paradoxically maintained good security, underscoring the complexities of city portrayals in cinema.
Detective Beverly, however, took steps toward a more balanced plot design with reduced unnecessary violence. The cross-regional aspect, as the protagonist moved from Detroit to Los Angeles, aligned with the intervention of federal agents, setting the stage for potential sequels.
In navigating the intricacies of movie ratings, actor compensation, and plot development, William White demonstrated a nuanced understanding of the film industry and the storytelling elements that resonate with audiences.