The 1963 Alfred Hitchcock film The Birds is considered one of the greatest horror films of all time. Though it may seem tame by today’s standards, at the time of its release it was quite shocking and intense, which led to it receiving an R rating.
The History of Movie Ratings
Movie ratings did not exist when The Birds was first released in 1963. Up until 1968, movies were not given any official rating and it was up to individual theaters to decide what audiences and ages could view each film. However, due to increasing concerns over more adult content in films in the 1960s, the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) established a ratings system that is still used today.
The MPAA film rating system went into effect in November 1968 with the following ratings:
- G – General Audiences
- M – Mature Audiences
- R – Restricted
- X – No one under 17 admitted
In 1969, the M rating was changed to GP (later changed to PG) and in 1970 the age limit on X films was raised to no one under 16 admitted. The 17+ age limit for R films was introduced in 1973. So when The Birds was re-released to theaters after 1968, it received an R rating under this new system.
Reasons for The Birds’ R Rating
There are several factors that contributed to The Birds receiving an R rating:
Violence
For a 1963 film, the bird attacks depicted in The Birds were considered extremely violent and intense. Some of the more standout scenes include:
- The attic scene where Melanie is brutally attacked by birds
- Lydia’s neighbor Dan getting pecked in the eyes by birds
- The climactic attack scene when birds descend on the Brenner’s house
These scenes show prolonged periods of pecking and hyper-realistic blood and wounds. The way the bird attacks are filmed are quite visceral for the time with quick editing.
Frightening Images
In addition to the violence, the imagery of the birds themselves was quite frightening. Features included:
- Scenes filmed from the bird’s perspective rapidly approaching the camera
- Hordes of birds gathering on playground equipment and roof tops
- Close-ups of birds’ beaks pecking and tearing flesh
- The sight of Lydia’s neighbor’s mutilated eyes
These types of images would have been very terrifying for audiences in 1963 and were considered too much for young viewers.
Adult Themes
While not very explicit, The Birds does contain some adult themes that were another reason for its R rating, including:
- The implied sexual relationship between Mitch and Melanie
- Melanie wandering upstairs in just a robe
- Dialogue referring to Lydia’s dead husband and her emotional troubles
These sorts of mature themes were seen as inappropriate for children at the time.
Lack of Clear Explanation
The ambiguous ending without any explanation for the bird attacks was seen as quite disturbing. Leaving the audience without a resolution was uncommon in films of the era. Having such a troubling, uncertain ending added to the intensity and contributed to the R rating.
Comparison to Other Hitchcock Films
Alfred Hitchcock was known as the “Master of Suspense” and pushed boundaries in many of his films. Some of his other notable films also received R ratings, including:
| Film | Year | Reason for R Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Psycho | 1960 | The infamous shower scene was considered extremely violent. |
| Rear Window | 1954 | Adult themes of voyeurism and murder. |
| Vertigo | 1958 | Mature themes of obsession, murder, and suicide. |
The Birds fits right in with these other Hitchcock classics that pushed the boundaries of violence, suspense, and adult themes at the time.
Significance of the R Rating
The R rating was quite significant for The Birds for several reasons:
- First “modern” horror film to receive R rating – set a precedent for the genre
- Showed Hitchcock’s willingness to break cinematic boundaries
- Meant to be seen by mature audiences who could handle the intense content
- Added a forbidden/mysterious appeal – teens wanted to see this restricted film
In many ways, the R rating helped bring awareness to The Birds and contributed to its legend as a horror classic. It signified the film as a must-see for fans of the genre looking for a more thrilling and adult cinematic experience.
The Birds’ Influence on the Horror Genre
Because it was one of the first widely successful R-rated horror films, The Birds ended up influencing numerous later horror movies and directors. Some key impacts include:
Inspired More Complex Horror Stories
The ambiguous meaning and deeper themes of The Birds showed horror could be more than just bloody slasher films. It inspired future films to have more complex plots and backstories.
Opened the Door for More Violence
After the success of The Birds, the R rating freed up horror directors to depict more realistic and prolonged scenes of violence without holding back.
Established Attack Scenes as Horror Set Pieces
The harrowing bird attacks essentially created the template for how to craft intense action/suspense scenes that later horror movies followed.
Influenced Hitchcock-Style Suspense
Hitchcock’s use of suspense, perspective, and intimate attack scenes went on to inspire many later horror directors and films such as Jaws, Halloween, and Friday the 13th.
Without the precedent The Birds set as an R-rated horror classic, the genre may not have evolved in such visceral and innovative directions in the ensuing decades.
Lasting Impact of The Birds
Over 50 years since its release, The Birds continues to have an impact as an important and influential film:
- Still widely regarded as one of Hitchcock’s best films
- Considered one of the greatest horror films ever made
- Stands up as an effectively scary film even for modern audiences
- Inspired many other horror creators and substantially impacted the genre
- Remains a classic thriller that every film buff should see
While the violent bird attacks may seem standard to modern moviegoers, it’s important to view The Birds in its proper historical context as a groundbreaking R-rated horror film that pushed boundaries and set new standards for the genre. Its iconic imagery and masterful use of suspense continue to influence directors today.
Conclusion
In summary, Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds received an R rating primarily due to its unprecedented levels of violence, terrorizing imagery, adult themes, and lack of resolution for 1960s audiences. This rating was significant in paving the way for future horror films to deliver more thrilling and risqué content. The Birds proved that horror could be critically acclaimed while still featuring provocative themes, laying the groundwork for the evolution of the genre. Its impact as an important cinematic milestone that still holds up today is a testament to Hitchcock’s filmmaking mastery.
