The Texas Chain Saw Massacre: A Horror Classic

A Trip to the Cemetery Takes a Dark and Unsettling Turn

summarizeEditor's Summary

I recently had the chance to watch The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, a 1974 horror classic that's been making waves for decades. The film's atmosphere is incredibly unsettling, and the characters are so well-developed that you'll be genuinely scared for them. With a runtime of just 83 minutes, this movie is a quick but intense watch that'll keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. I'll admit, I was a bit skeptical at first, but this film really delivers. It's a must-see for horror fans, but be warned: it's not for the faint of heart. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is a true game-changer in the horror genre, and its impact can still be felt today.

settingsSpecifications

Kararİyi

Kalite8/10

Konusu7/10

Oyuncular9/10

Release year1974

Movie duration83 minutes

Hello there.

I've been on a horror movie kick lately, and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is one of those cult classics that really stands out.

I'll start from the beginning, as I probably should.

Title: The Texas Chain Saw MassacreOriginal title: The Texas Chain Saw Massacre

Movie duration: 83 minutes

Release year: 1974

After hearing that some troublemakers had desecrated their grandfather's grave in Texas, where their grandfather was buried, Sally and her wheelchair-bound brother Franklin gathered their friends and headed out to check if the grave had been damaged. While in the area, they decided to visit their grandfather's old farm. Next door was another farm that looked pretty unsettling – it was decorated with creepy items made from human and animal skin and bones, and it was home to a family of slaughterhouse workers who were just plain creepy.

Main cast/characters (in my opinion):

Marilyn Burns - Sally Hardesty Paul A. Partain - Franklin Hardesty Sally's brother Franklin is a real pain in the neck, and it's no surprise considering he's a wheelchair user. It's one thing to cruise around in a car or at home, but it's a whole different story when you're forcing your sister to take you on a midnight stroll through the woods.

Jim Siedow - 'The Cook'/ 'The Old Man' Edwin Neal - Leatherface's Brother Leatherface's brother is a creepy character. Not only does he look like a total mess, but he's also got some serious mental issues – he's always going on about how he likes to cut himself.

Gunnar Hansen - Leatherface At first glance, and even on second viewing, Leatherface managed to freak me out with his appearance. And that face of his? Not exactly the most pleasant sight. He's clearly a bit of a weirdo – doesn't speak, wears the faces of his victims, and gets both teased and adored by the others.

John Dugan - Grandpa ('Grandpa') And can you believe it? This dried-up old prune is still alive! He's chillin' with Grandma, too.

It looks like she's not doing too well

My friends are a bit dim-witted, it seems. There's a whole bunch of abandoned cars lying around – remember Pivot not taken.

The psych-autostop guy who came before me said he lives around here.

He's got a sweet little cottage in the village, and the house itself doesn't look like some psycho's lair – there's even a swing set in the backyard.

Check out this tooth – it's clearly not for the Tooth Fairy. Now, I know what you're thinking – where's the guy? He's been gone for ages, and the house is a mess.

There are bones and feathers everywhere, and a chicken coop in the ceiling – don't even think about sitting down with your mouth open and your hands in your lap, or you might just become the main course. No, you need to scream your lungs out to attract the psycho's attention.When people ask me, 'How did you guys know there were psychos around?', I tell them:

First of all, you need to watch horror movies to keep an eye out for 'signs' (make sure to watch them before your trip – evil doesn't sleep);

Secondly, if you don't watch horror movies, don't pick up hitchhikers (good karma will come back to you, but it's better to think about your safety, especially if you're alone – there are four of us, and it didn't help them);

Third, trust your instincts – but don't overdo it, or you'll end up like me, with paranoia instead.

This is one of those movies that gets under your skin with each viewing, even though you know exactly what's going to happen. The dry narrator's voice at the start makes you think the whole thing is real, which is super unsettling – especially when you hear Sally's terrified screams.

Then you're watching her try to escape from those cannibals, who are literally just inches away from her (I was praying for it all to be over already).

This is what they call 'The Last Girl'.

I didn't notice any memorable 'psycho' soundtrack (unless you count the chainsaw, which makes the atmosphere even more unnerving).

The whole movie flies by quickly, but Sally's screams really stuck with me.

At first, and with each subsequent viewing, the movie gets progressively more uncomfortable to watch – but that's also what makes it so interesting.

I'd recommend checking it out if you haven't seen it already. It's not your average horror flick, but it's definitely memorable. I liked that it's a straightforward story about people trying to escape from other, equally unhinged individuals – no supernatural elements or magic here. And, as a bonus, it's a horror movie that doesn't rely on gratuitous nudity.

I'm glad I got to pretend like I didn't skip to the end, but I really wanted to see the gang – and Sally – get some love in the sequels. I mean, it's a horror movie, right? When the main characters aren't even in it for more than one film?

Thanks for sticking with me to the end. I'll catch you all in the reviews for the sequels – and there are a bunch of them.

live_helpFeatured FAQ

Is The Texas Chain Saw Massacre suitable for all ages?

No, the movie contains graphic violence, gore, and mature themes, making it unsuitable for younger viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.

What inspired the film's director to create such a horror classic?

The film's director, Tobe Hooper, was inspired by the true story of Ed Gein, a serial killer who wore a mask made from human skin. Hooper wanted to create a film that would capture the essence of Gein's crimes and the terror they inspired.

What makes The Texas Chain Saw Massacre a cult classic?

The film's unique blend of horror, suspense, and social commentary, combined with its raw, unflinching portrayal of violence and gore, has made it a cult classic among horror fans. Its influence can still be seen in modern horror films today.

Is The Texas Chain Saw Massacre based on a true story?

While the film is not based on a specific true story, it was inspired by the crimes of Ed Gein, a serial killer who wore a mask made from human skin. The film's plot is fictional, but it captures the essence of Gein's crimes and the terror they inspired.

What is the significance of the film's ending?

The film's ending is intentionally ambiguous, leaving viewers to interpret the events that unfold. The ending is meant to be thought-provoking, encouraging viewers to think critically about the themes and characters presented in the film.

Is The Texas Chain Saw Massacre a must-see for horror fans?

Yes, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is a must-see for horror fans. Its influence can still be seen in modern horror films today, and its raw, unflinching portrayal of violence and gore makes it a classic of the genre.

Can I watch The Texas Chain Saw Massacre with my family?

No, the movie contains graphic violence, gore, and mature themes, making it unsuitable for younger viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.

What are some other horror classics that I might enjoy?

If you enjoyed The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, you might also enjoy other horror classics like The Exorcist, The Shining, and Halloween. These films share similar themes and elements that made The Texas Chain Saw Massacre a cult classic.

check_circlePros

•The atmosphere is incredibly unsettling and will keep you on the edge of your seat.
•The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy to become invested in their fate.
•The movie's short runtime of 83 minutes makes it a quick but intense watch.
•The film's cult classic status is well-deserved, and it's a must-see for horror fans.
•The special effects may be dated, but they add to the movie's retro charm.
•The film's themes of family, trauma, and survival are timeless and thought-provoking.

cancelCons

•Some of the characters can be a bit dim-witted at times, which can be frustrating to watch.
•The movie's pacing can be a bit slow at times, which may test your patience.
•The film's violence and gore can be quite graphic, so viewer discretion is advised.
•The movie's ending can be a bit confusing, so pay close attention.
•The film's sound design can be quite jarring at times, which may be off-putting for some viewers.
•The movie's characters can be a bit one-dimensional at times, which can make it hard to become fully invested in their stories.