The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

[Cyclonus]

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

Director: Tobe Hooper

Cast: Marilyn Burns, Paul A. Partain, Edwin Neal, James Siedow, Gunnar Hansen

Screenwriters: Kim Henkel, Tobe Hooper

Producer: Tobe Hooper

A Bryanston Films release


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Watching The Texas Chainsaw Massacre makes one realize just how watered down modern horror has become. Much of the recent crop consists of irritating "teeny-bopper" flicks, existing solely to market the images of today's hot young stars. In fact, the horror elements are usually a superficial pretext, only successful due to aggressive marketing. Thus, we are faced with the sad fact that many teenagers have not have the chance to experience true horror. In today's conservative political climate, many 1980s horror films could not be financed, much less produced and released.

With that in mind, getting back to the basics provides a much-welcome shock to the senses. TCM refuses to soften its tone to avoid offending anyone. It is pure, unfiltered terror; claustrophobic, gritty, unrelenting. In terms of content, the violence level is not any better or worse than average. What makes it work is the psychological impact upon the viewer. First-time director Tobe Hooper pervades the film with an unsettling, almost documentary realism. Its grainy, low-budget appearance actually contributes to its overall effect; there are times when we forget it's only a movie.

Although the film does take its time in setting things up, the results are worth it. As events progress, the terror grows and grows, never letting up. By the time we get to the climax, we feel trapped in a nightmare, desperately hoping for release. Unlike many other slashers, we do not root for the killer, but share in the young victims' terror. There is little humor to be found in this grim, queasy tale. No comic relief, no compromise. Just horror, plain and simple.

The opening crawl claims that it's based on a true story. This is a half-truth, actually. It's inspired by the ghoulish crime spree of the Ed Gein, who earned infamy for dissecting corpses (mostly from grave-robbing) and keeping body parts around the house. The true horror of the film is that people like Leatherface really do exist, and that events such as these depicted in the film have actually happened from time to time. The viewer is acutely aware that there is a chance, however remote, that he could be the next victim of some madman.

8/10.

[RogueSpear]

I know I am one of the few but I hated The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. I wouldn't go as far as to say it's the worst horror movie I ever saw but it definately ranks up there.

For me, there was no horror in this movie. There was no suspense. I did not care for any of the characters. Hell, even the villian was uninteresting. The scariest part of the movie was listening to Marilyn Burns' screaming. The boredom that set in during the opening sequence, which I hoped would go away, stayed with me for the rest of the movie.

I can respect this film because of what it is. I can respect it because I'm sure at the time of its release it was groundbreaking. It's just unfortunate that it hasn't held up over time.

Final Score: 3/10

[countchocula]

Splendid review, Cyclonus! As my profile boasts, TCM is my favorite film of all time. It didn't click with me right off the bat, but with repeated viewings, Tobe Hooper's magnum opus worked its way into my blood stream. This is THE horror film. Despite it not having a particularly high body count, the film doesn't allow you to catch your breath. It’s fucking merciless.

[kubotakhan01]

I only saw this film a bout a year ago. although this film was made 28 years ago, it still holds all of the shock value that I am sure it had when it was first released. There aren't too many films that can frighten a person who has seen it over and over. The only other film that I can recall that can still terrify audiences is "The Exorcist", BUT "The Exorcist" has been shown on regular cable many times over the years. "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" has never been on shown on regular cable. That is enough to prove to me that it is still too horrible(and I mean that in a good way) a film even for today's hardened audiences.

Truly frightening stuff. RATING 8/10

[Michael_myers]

there really are only a few characters in this film;
sally
Franklin
Jerry
Kirk
Pam
hitchhiker
Leatherface
Grandpa
and the Cook.

lets see, most of them die actually. Franklin, Jerry, Kirk, Pam and the hitchiker die. A tight film, but it wasn't best. You have to be ready for a heavy dose of craptacular suspense. It was a chore to watch the entire thing, and it gave me the chills. But so far, sadly enough, Jason Voorhees is the only one to gimme nightmares.

[XCoRyX]

It wasnt the legendary classic i thought it was gonna be,infact i could hardly get into it,a few scenes were cool,just the fact that i expected so much from hearing the great word of mouth let me down....4/10

[heretic]

I had wanted to see this film for years before I actuly got chance to see it and I must say that I was very suprised with it and especialy the lack of blood and and gore in it. I must also however say that even though the blood was kept to a minimum I still hold this as one of the greatest horror films ever made! the film had a very big phycological impact on me the the dinner scene at the end was great I loved the close up on her eye you could literaly see sally going insane one of my favourite films. I can understand why some people dont like this film though and least in some ways kind....actuly no I can't this film was great!

[Boogeyman]

I thought it was a true classic. I loved it.

later

[teenkiller]

I loved this movie as soon as I saw it and it went right on my top ten. I showed it to my brother and girlfriend but they both hated it. I wasn't too surprised though. This movie is brutal and uncompromising and I can honestly say that they don't make them like this anymore which is very unfortunate. Companies of today are more interested in marketing trends and fads which make the movies total bullshit. I need to get more movies like this and LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT. I think the 70's are the epitomy of the true horror flicks and I could only hope that the horror genre goes that way again. Well thats all for now GOoD JOURNEY my fellow schmoes.

[cannibal_man]

Spoiler


I saw this movie last summer and was impressed overall. This is one of the most original horror movies of all time. I must admit that the first 30 minutes of the film was rather boring and dragged a bit. It really got interesting when they picked up the hitch hiker. I forgot the actor's name who portrays this hiker, but he did an outstanding performance. In my opinion, he alone stole the show. The part where he slices his palm and then laughs is awesome! I would have given this film a 10 if it had more killing scenes (uncut) with additional gore. The father of the two, was my second favorite he was a real redneck with his teeth sticking out. The part where he had the blonde in his pickup truck and hitting her with the stick while she was in the bag was hysterical. Nothing better than seeing a family of rednecks torturing a hot blonde and selling people's body parts as barbeque chicken. Now that's original.

Rating
8/10 Note: Needed more violence and gore scenes.

[Ren Hoek]

Originally posted by cannibal_man
Rating
8/10 Note: Needed more violence and gore scenes.
Why? It was scary as hell. I don't think that more gore would add to the dark, brutally cynical atmosphere of the film. In my book, the film is so great and frightening because it shows LESS than most other horror films!


**********possible spoiler***********
The death of the first victim is a good example: the quick stroke with the hammer, a short cut to the twitching legs, the slamming of the door... Just the simple fact that you have to imagine what happens to him afterwards is a much scarier thought than witnessing the actual disembodiment.

[doggyboyuk]

I go into phases slightly with this one. Most of the time i love it and sometimes it bores me slightly. The first time i saw it it bored me. There was a documentary on before it which quite frankly hyed it up and it didn' live up to the expectations. It has needed 3-4 more viewings to appreciate it properly. It didn't help either with so much controvercy around it before i watched it expected a complete gore fest which, would scare the hell out of me! of course it didn't. So my first viewing was tainted slightly. I have now grown to like it. In fact this thread has made me want to watch it again :D

[ERIN_LoJ]

I always thought Leatherface and the hitchhiker were brothers and the cook/store-owner their father, and then grandpa. Am I wrong after all these years? LOL

I liked the movie. I loved the way it was set up, and I thought the casting was good. Franklins character would get on anyone's nerves, but the girl's screaming for so long added to the effect instead of taking away from it.

One of the only movies that would inspire pure terror. In that sort of situation what would you do? You really have to emphasize with Sally and try to put yourself in her shoes.

The beginning was great; the cemetary, the grave desecration, the hitchhiker cutting his hand, I didn't find the movie slow or boring in the least.

[KillerKlown]

I waited for such a long time to see this movie, as it was banned for years over here. In fact, I managed to get it on DVD from the states before it was passed by the cock-knocking BBFC. Anyway, it definately lived up to my expectations - I LOVED IT!

I especially loved the camera work in this film, the prefect example of this is the long shot of the girl when she walks up to the house and the shot focuses on her oh so vunerable back...:p