Is 'The Evil Dead' Original Deserving of an NC-17 Rating by Modern Standards?

When the original The Evil Dead was first released in 1981, it received an NC-17 rating due to its graphic violence and intense horror elements. But, is this rating still deserved by modern standards, especially when compared to contemporary horror films? Let's explore the reasons why The Evil Dead is still considered a breakthrough in its storytelling, and whether or not the original rating is still applicable.

The Original The Evil Dead (1981)

The Evil Dead was directed by Sam Raimi and was uncompromising in its depiction of graphic violence. The film featured numerous scenes of gore, including dismemberment and blood splatter, which were shockingly real for its time.

Violence and Disturbing Content

Graphic Violence

One of the main reasons why The Evil Dead was deemed so disturbing in 1981 was its graphic violence. The film's portrayal of gore and dismemberment was raw and unsettling, contributing to its NC-17 rating. Today, many modern horror films with similar or even more extreme scenes of violence and gore receive R ratings. Comparing the original cut of The Evil Dead to contemporary entries such as Saw, Hostel, and Hereditary, it can be argued that the threshold for shock value and graphic violence has shifted.

Psychological Horror

Beyond just the physical violence, The Evil Dead also delves into psychological horror elements such as possession and the breakdown of sanity. These elements are just as deeply unsettling for the modern viewer.

Comparison to Modern Horror Films

Modern Standards

Today's horror films frequently push boundaries with violence and gore. Movies like Saw and Hostel were even more graphic, and they still receive R ratings from the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). This raises the question: Is the graphic violence in The Evil Dead indeed less shocking compared to contemporary films in the genre?

Censorship and Ratings

The NC-17 rating for The Evil Dead has largely become a thing of the past in mainstream horror films. Many films that might have received this rating in the past are now deemed appropriate for an R rating. This change in ratings reflects a shift in how audiences and the industry perceive and categorize disturbing content.

Cultural Context

The Evil Dead was initially released during a time when horror films were often heavily scrutinized. Horror genres have evolved since then, and the thresholds for shock value and disturbing content have changed. Modern audiences have different perspectives on what is considered disturbing, shaped by the evolution of horror as a genre.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while The Evil Dead was indeed highly disturbing and violent for its time and earned an NC-17 rating, modern horror films often explore similar, if not more extreme, themes and violence. Whether the original The Evil Dead should still receive an NC-17 rating by today's standards is a matter of perspective. The film remains a significant milestone in horror history, but it may not necessarily warrant the same level of censorship.