There are so many films that come out every week let alone every year, aren’t there? We can get so caught up in trying to keep up with the latest awards contenders, box office hits, and culturally relevant pieces that we just don’t have enough time to turn back the clock and check out films from the past. But it is so important to expand our horizons and experience the art that has set the stage for today’s cinema. You might need to find the time, so it is important to make wise choices with what you spend that time watching. Whether we head back 10 years, 50 years, or even 100 years, there is great cinema throughout the years. But let’s rewind the clock and here are some reasons why you should check out… Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
| Directed by Tobe Hooper Starring: Gunner Hansen, Marilyn Burns, Edwin Neal, Jim Siedow |
The Imagery
This has the legendary horror reputation that it has for a reason. The images that are put on display in this film are horrific. The design of Leatherface himself is shocking as he is a towering figure with a mask made of human flesh. His home is a place made for your nightmares. The furniture is ornamented with human bones as they create disturbing symbols. The other members of Leatherface’s family are grotesque or disturbing in some shape or form. The nature of the existence as cannibals allows for plenty of mangled corpses and human meat to be laying around. You wouldn’t need any plot or anything except for the visuals of this home and you would still have one of the scariest movies of all time.
The Efficiency
This film is only 84-minute and has zero fat on it. The film starts with some basic character builds for the crew of victims. Then we are off! Crazy stuff begins and the film does not draw out the violence or gore. The film is quick and shocking, and I believe that is why it is so darn effective. The scares come out of nowhere and don’t overstay their welcome. You would be surprised by how quickly Leatherface gets down to business and leaves us with our lone wolf. But that is when the film gets REAL interesting. But I wouldn’t want to spoil that for you. Let’s just say this thrill ride never lets up.
The Gore and Violence
So many films that have been influenced by this film have turned into gratuitous torture and gore porn. On some level, I think they miss the point. In the same way, slashers missed the best parts of Halloween, Texas Chainsaw Massacre is not just some gorefest on display. Hooper is more subtle and effective with his direction than just grossing you out. There is more off-camera in terms of violence than you see on camera. Don’t get me wrong…there is plenty of violence and gore (even if more is implied). The film is still shocking, and horrifying, and will last forever in your brain…but it did not have to resort to pure gross-out mayhem. That is why this one is so special and still a classic in low-budget horror.
