Product: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (Original Uncut) [Region 2] (1974)
Rating: 5.0
It's all about the context!!!
I've noticed that a lot of "kids reviews" have bashed this movie. I understand, I work in an elementary school. Kids like flashy explosions and glitz. This movie is not those things. When watching this movie you have to understand what was going on at the time for movies. Do yourself a favor. If you have time, go watch some horror movies and/or "regular" movies from about 1970-1974 and see what was going on at the time. Then you will see how truly shocking and frightening this movie is. (The best thing I ever did was, before I watched Psycho for the time, I rented a bunch of movies from that era and watched them first. It's 2006, I'm 28, and Psycho scared the crap out of me!) You can't understand the blues without Leadbelly, you can't understand country without the Carter Family, punk without the New York Dolls/Stooges and HORROR MOVIES without the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre! Would any of the before mentioned artists stand up today if they were brand new? No. But would any of those genres be what they are today without them? I think not.That being said, I saw Chainsaw for the first time yesterday. Now the horror genre makes so much more sense to me. I had seen the 2003 version and thought it was extremely lame. THIS, however, was not only probably the best horror movie I've ever seen (next to Psycho), but one of the best pieces of cinematography. I watched the final scene with Leatherface swinging his chainsaw around in the sunrise over and over again. It is breathtaking.I also heard a reviewer complain that Sally should have put on a bra. Maybe so (I guess it was a "kid" reviewer, so right on!) But I think that fit into the essence of this movie. It was all about animal instinct. Killing, hunting, eating, escaping and sex.All I know is that I am 28 and this movie made me gasp audibly several times. (Like when Grandpa comes to life!) You never feel safe. Even in the sunlight, the bad guys can still get you.But please, put yourself into the mindset of 1974 when you watch this movie. It'll all make a lot more sense. This movie changed the face of horror forever. Jason Vs. Freddy made me fall asleep in the drive-in, even with explosions.