Why Did Texas Chainsaw Massacre Get the Chop in the UK?
So, you’re wondering why the Brits were all like, “Nope, not having that,” when it came to The Texas Chain Saw Massacre? Let’s dive into the gory details (pun intended).
| Why Was Texas Chainsaw Massacre Banned In The Uk |
A Tale of Two Cultures
You see, the UK and the US have a slightly different relationship with violence in their media. It's like comparing a stiff upper lip to a rollercoaster enthusiast. While we Yanks might be a bit more desensitized to on-screen carnage, the Brits have a long history of film censorship that, let’s just say, is a bit more... prudish.
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The BBFC: The Movie Police
Enter the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), the folks tasked with deciding what the good citizens of the UK can and can’t watch. They’re like the movie bouncers, but instead of checking IDs, they’re checking for excessive gore, violence, and general depravity.
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The Texas Chain Saw Massacre was their worst nightmare. Imagine a horror movie so terrifying it made the BBFC, a bunch of people who watch horror movies for a living, go, "Nope, nope, nope."
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The Problem with Leatherface
The film was deemed to be too intense, too terrifying, and too downright disturbing. Leatherface, the iconic chainsaw-wielding maniac, was apparently a step too far for the British public. Who knew a guy with a penchant for human skin could cause such a stir?
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It wasn’t just the violence, though. The film was also criticized for its portrayal of women, which was seen as exploitative and degrading. So, there you have it. A combination of extreme violence and questionable female representation was enough to get The Texas Chain Saw Massacre banned in the UK.
It wasn’t until 1999 that the BBFC finally relented and gave the film an 18 certificate, meaning only adults could watch it. So, if you’re under 18 and wondering why you can’t find it on Netflix, now you know.
How to...
- How to appreciate horror films: Remember, it’s just a movie. Don’t let it haunt your dreams.
- How to deal with a chainsaw-wielding maniac: Run. Really fast.
- How to become a film censor: Develop a strong stomach and a love for paperwork.
- How to make a horror movie that won't get banned: Avoid chainsaws, leatherface masks, and anything that involves bodily harm.
- How to survive a horror movie: Be the smart one. Don’t go into the woods alone.