The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is set in 1973 in the sticks of rural Texas, with five teenagers on their way to a concert, driving down a long, barren road until they come across a lone hitchhiker. The hitchhiker “Pepper” appears shaken and overcome with such emotion that it drives her to end her own life. The teens traumatized by the incident try to find help from residents local to the area and stumble upon a remote homestead where they’re met by a gangly man holding a chainsaw dubbed “Leatherface.”
Why the Texas Chainsaw Massacre Is Controversial
Texas Chainsaw Massacre’s controversy stems from its being initially marketed as a being based on a true story. But it turned out to be a fabricated ploy to gain more viewers. Yet, it may not be entirely false because of the similarities between the film’s protagonist, Leatherface, and Wisconsin’s notorious serial killer, Ed Gein, who lived on a remote farm on the outskirts of Plainfield.
Ed Gein, nicknamed the “Butcher of Plainfield,” was known for making furniture, clothing, and knick-knacks out of human body parts similar to the mask worn by Leatherface. Many believe the story behind the movie could be based on a pair of vile Texas serial killers, Dean Corll and Elmer Wayne Henley, as well, but Ed Gein seems a more likely candidate based on the similarities with the Texas Chainsaw Massacre’s Leatherface.
With the highly explicit and realistic murder scenes and the notion of being based on actual serial killers, viewers began complaining about the material being shown in theaters. Therefore, shortly after its release in October 1974, the movie was censored from being shown in several countries due to criticism that it promoted violence and incited fear.
Why Countries Have Censored The Film
Many countries have banned the Texas Chainsaw Massacre for fear-mongering, but among the first was Great Britain on the advice of the British Board of Film Censors (BBFC). Surprisingly, the film was still granted an 18 plus certificate, meaning no one under 18 should watch or purchase it. Subsequently, it was pulled from being shown in public cinemas, and the censorship remained in effect until 1998.
Soon, many other countries would follow suit with Great Britain and ban the Texas Chainsaw Massacre for gore, violence, and cruelty. That still doesn’t mean it stopped people from illegally obtaining film copies. Today, it’s available on all digital streaming platforms but found itself in hot water when producer Tobe Hooper tried to have it licensed as PG in the early 200os.
On the upside for all the classic horror film fans out there, the censorship of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre across the globe has since been lifted, so get ready for a frightening Halloween movie experience this spooky season. The 50th anniversary of the film in itself will undoubtedly cause the film to attract more attention than usual, but this will only add to its evident popularity.
Countries That Have Censored The Film And Why
Great Britain ( 1974-1997) Censored based on advice from the British Board of Film Censors, who certified the film as 18+, meaning no one below that age should watch or own a copy.
Norway (1974-1997) Extreme violence but re-released in 1997 and licensed for adults only.
Finland (1974-1996) The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is Too graphic for viewership.
Sweden (1974-2001) Cruelty, violence, and bloodshed.
Brazil (1974) Disturbing content in Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
France (1974-77) Sadism and violence in Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
West Germany (1974-78) Extreme violence.
Australia (1974-1984) Refusal to rate portions of the film, which was later rated R.
Iceland (1985-1999) had Extreme levels of violence, but a censored version was later released.
Singapore (1974-2004) New ratings review 2004 for Mature Audiences 18+.
Canada (1976) Ultimatum to stop showing the film or face morality charges.
Final Thoughts
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is a classic film many have come to know and love. It is even considered one of the greatest horror films of all time. Still, with the level of violence and gore in the film and its likeness to serial killers like Ed Gein, Dean Corll, and Elmer Wayne Henley, it’s no wonder the film was censored. Nonetheless, people are still infatuated with the film, and with the 50th anniversary looming, it will surely gain much more traction.
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