Product: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (Original Uncut) [Region 2] (1974)
Rating: 5.0
Effective and enduring
(4.5/5 stars) This is a movie that has stuck with me since I first saw it more than twenty years ago though much of that could be attributed to the fact I was young and impressionable at the time. It is doubtful I would have the same reaction if I were only now seeing this for the first time. I have not seen the remake (nor will I), so I cannot compare the two. What I can say is this film frightened and disturbed me when I watched it for the first time as a twelve year old. Some horror filmmakers seem to think if a premise itself is scary enough, the execution is secondary. (Worse than that, some filmmakers rely on special effects) The best horror comes from a competent combination of plot, writing, atmosphere, music and acting. This film succeeds in all of these. The Hitchhiker, played convincingly by Edwin Neal, is not really scary in a traditional sense because he isn't physically intimidating and doesn't dress as a ghoul or goblin. Instead, his behavior is so bizarre it rivals that of Crispin Glover's on David Letterman. Creepy! As Leatherface, Gunnar Hansen is almost equally sinister, though has the disadvantage of wearing a mask the entire time. The film achieves its goals without resorting to cheap effects, which is indicative of Tobe Hooper's talent as a director. In fact, the film is probably scarier because it does not show all the gore that is implied. Although based on the acts of Ed Gein in Wisconsin, there are very few actual similarities between the two. A must for horror fans.