Writing Bloody: An Ode to The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
Directed by Tobe Hooper
Shown: Gunnar Hansen

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) has a simple premise: Five friends drive out to where Sally and Franklin’s grandparents used to live, in order to check out reports of grave robberies. It’s when they continue the journey to visit their grandfather’s house in the country, that the teens are hunted and terrorized by a chain-saw wielding killer and his family of grave-robbing cannibals.

Just the text at the beginning of the film combined with the soft reading by John Larroquette does what so many older movies did…create tension and fear with little gadgets and special effects. This slasher film has it all–a power tool for a weapon, a deranged killer, and a screaming girl. And boy can that Sally scream!

Add to this the spooky soundtrack and that this cult classic is loosely based on the true story of convicted murder Ed Gein (as is the critically acclaimed Psych0), and you have the perfect recipe for a crazy scary movie.

Since 1974, there have been six TCM movies created. One of which is a remake starring Jessica Biel, while another sequel includes Renee Zellweger and Matthew McConaughey. But still, there is nothing like the original–scary, corny, and bloody. And if you don’t believe me…see it for yourself.

XOXO,