The Unseen Content of 'Mean Girls' Rated-R Edition

Article Summary

Mean Girls almost received an R rating due to its original jokes, but altering them made them more outlandish and comical, making it suitable for a broader audience.

The film encountered difficulties addressing female anatomy within the constraints of a PG-13 rating. Despite this, director Mark Waters bravely confronted the MPAA, vehemently opposing their discriminatory biases. Ultimately, the scene remained in the movie.

Waters' courageous stance against the MPAA establishes a significant example for filmmakers, urging them to prioritize crucial content over censorship. This fosters advancements in pushing the boundaries of film and combating the deep-rooted misogyny prevalent in Hollywood.

Get in, loser; let's chat about Mean Girls. This iconic film earned immense praise upon its release in 2004 and continues to be adored nearly two decades later. We're absolutely obsessed with it, and who can blame us? It's a timeless cinematic masterpiece. The movie revolves around the journey of adolescence, encompassing high school cliques, self-discovery, navigating the social ladder, and the eternal quest to fit in. Fans are captivated by the intriguing trivia behind the scenes — secrets that contribute to its enduring popularity (no wonder their hairstyles are so voluminous). However, what many fans may not realize is that Mean Girls nearly received an R rating from the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America). Let's dive into some of the dialogue that was excised from the film in order to appeal to a wider audience.

Mean Girls (2004)

Cady Heron becomes popular with The Plastics, the elite group of girls in her new school. However, her popularity dwindles when she develops feelings for Aaron Samuels, the former boyfriend of the group's leader, Regina George.

Released on April 30, 2004, directed by Mark Waters, and featuring Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Tina Fey, Tim Meadows, Amy Poehler, and Ana Gasteyer, this comedy is rated PG-13.

What Was Cut From the 'Mean Girls' R-Rated Version?

In an interview with Vulture, Mark Waters, the director of the feature film, shed some light on the matter and discussed how certain original jokes were a significant factor in the film's near-R rating. To make the jokes more appropriate for a wider audience, they were altered to become more outrageous, resulting in greater comedic effect. For instance, a joke originally stating "Amber D'Alessio gave a blow job to a hot dog" was modified to "Amber D'Alessio made out with a hot dog." This alteration not only reduced the graphic content but also enhanced the comedic hilarity. One can only imagine the extent of other joke revisions, considering the strictness of MPAA regulations, which may be more stringent than anticipated.

The Mean Girls production team faced another challenge when they tried to discuss female anatomy in a way that would comply with a PG-13 rating, even without a sexual context. One particular line about a vagina was targeted by the MPAA for removal. This line was spoken during the auditorium scene, where the characters discussed being victimized by Regina George. A teenage girl mentioned her heavy flow and wide-set vagina. However, the director, Waters, insisted on keeping this dialogue and argued that the ratings board was being sexist. In the Mean Girls movie, even Principal Duvall had to involve the female teacher, Ms. Norbury, to address the issue between the teenage girls because he lacked the knowledge and understanding. In comparison to other films, such as Anchorman, which was rated PG-13 and showed a male character with an erection, Mean Girls faced criticism from the ratings board for addressing female anatomy in a non-sexual manner. Despite the board's initial objections, Waters remained firm on this matter, ultimately leading to their concession.

The fact that the auditorium scene with the controversial line was retained in the final cut of the film was a significant triumph. This scene is exceptionally well-written, showcasing the teenagers opening up about the various ways they were victimized in their toxic environment, their insecurities, and ultimately finding a resolution. Despite the heavy subject matter, the scene is infused with humor. It provides each character with an opportunity to express their concerns and address the rumors about them in the Burn Book. As a result, they can make amends and apologize for their actions, helping them realize that rumors lead to nothing positive, and popularity isn't everything. In this setting, these young women can voice their opinions and insecurities effectively.

'Mean Girls' Director Challenged the MPAA

By challenging the MPAA, Waters empowered the characters to find their voices and paved the way for other producers and directors to stand up for what they believe is crucial for a film's success, even if the MPAA may disapprove. This rejection of Hollywood's misogyny is crucial in pushing the boundaries of filmmaking. It mirrors the action of teenagers who discovered the positive impact of supporting rather than tearing each other down, thus leading to a better way of life.

Mean Girls is not the first film Waters has been involved in that features strong, complex female leads. He has established a reputation for creating movies with powerful female protagonists, such as The House Of Yes and Freaky Friday. Many of his films have successfully passed the Bechdel Test, which measures the representation of women in movies. The test requires that a film has at least two named female characters who engage in a conversation about something other than a man. Mean Girls easily meets this criteria as it revolves around teenage rivalry and popularity among young women in high school. However, it should be noted that while the characters do discuss boys, particularly the ones they are interested in, they are not the primary focus of the film. It is important to adhere to the rules of feminism.

The combination of Waters and the talented Tina Fey, who not only wrote the screenplay but also portrayed the character of Ms. Norbury, undoubtedly contributed to the comedic success of Mean Girls. Fey has consistently demonstrated her comedic prowess while also addressing serious topics or challenging situations, as seen in her work on 30 Rock, where she often tackled issues related to the treatment of women in the film industry. It almost seems like she has a remarkable ability to predict events or situations.

When Is 'Mean Girls: The Musical' Coming Out?

Watch on Paramount+

Editor's P/S

As a long-time fan of Mean Girls, I was thrilled to learn about the behind-the-scenes secrets of this iconic film. The fact that it almost received an R rating due to its original jokes only adds to its allure. It's clear that director Mark Waters took great care in crafting the film's humor, ensuring that it would appeal to a wide audience while still maintaining its edge. The alteration of the jokes, such as changing "Amber D'Alessio gave a blow job to a hot dog" to "Amber D'Alessio made out with a hot dog," is a testament to Waters' cleverness and commitment to his craft.

Furthermore, I greatly admire Waters' stance against the MPAA's discriminatory biases. The fact that he refused to remove the line about a vagina, despite the board's objections, is a powerful statement against sexism in Hollywood. By standing his ground, Waters set an important precedent for filmmakers and helped push the boundaries of what is considered acceptable in mainstream cinema. Overall, I believe that the unseen content of the R-rated edition of Mean Girls only adds to its legacy as a groundbreaking and beloved film.