The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

In this article, we will be looking at 2019’s book “1001 Movies to See Before You Die” and going through each film in a random order that I have chosen. We will be looking at what constitutes this film to be on the list and whether I think this film deserves to be here at all. I want to make perfectly clear that I won’t be revealing details from this book such as analyses by film reporters who have written about the film in question, so if you want the book itself you’ll have to buy it. But I will be covering the book’s suggestions on which films should be your top priority. I wouldn’t doubt for a second that everyone reading this article has probably watched many of these movies anyway. But we are just here to have a bit of fun. We’re going to not just look at whether it should be on this list but we’re also going to look at why the film has such a legacy at all. Remember, this is the 2019 version of the book and so, films like “Joker” will not be featured in this book and any film that came out in 2020 (and if we get there, in 2021). So strap in and if you have your own suggestions then don’t hesitate to email me using the address in my bio. Let’s get on with it then.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) dir. by Tobe Hooper

I first watched “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” when I was about fourteen years’ old and it was entirely planned as much as people seem to think otherwise. My older brother has always had an adoration for “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” and I knew that fact about him if it was the only thing I knew about his like for film back then. I sought out to watch it and was actually watching it whilst eating my lunch. Admittedly, that was not the best idea but it still went down pretty well to be honest. With a budget of one hundred and forty thousand dollars and an earning of about thirty million dollars, we can honestly see though that the film did pretty well considering the fact that it did not star any big-names and did not contain any massive expensive filming techniques/set locations.

After being banned in several countries because of its violent content it has since become one of the most influential horror films of all time. Obviously it had premiered in Austin, Texas in 1974 and what contributed to its success? By suggesting that it was based entirely on a true story and not just a harsh look at serial killer Ed Gein. Check out what it states on the title slide:

“The film which you are about to see is an account of the tragedy which befell a group of five youths, in particular Sally Hardesty and her invalid brother, Franklin…”

Obviously, Roger Ebert had to weigh in on the film in order to set the record straight on such a controversial movie. Let us take a look at what he had to say:

“Horror and exploitation films almost always turn a profit if they're brought in at the right price. So they provide a good starting place for ambitious would-be filmmakers who can't get more conventional projects off the ground. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre belongs in a select company (with Night of the Living Dead and Last House on the Left) of films that are really a lot better than the genre requires. Not, however, that you'd necessarily enjoy seeing it.”

I do not think I agree with the fact that Roger Ebert called “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” was a part of the more successful and less well known world of horror cinema because of how well it did in terms of profit margins. But I do agree with the fact that he stated that it was very well made. Be that as it may, there is some truth in Ebert’s claims that the way the film is made is obviously low-budget and the fact that it still manages to be big on the genre-driven ideas of horror is very thoroughly done.

Still scares you, doesn’t it?

Fun fact: I have the same birthday as the director of this film!