The Texas Chainsaw Massacre - Special Edition [DVD] [1974]

Time has jaded me somewhat, as I was able to watch it the film the second time around without resorting to cowering under my jacket. Of course, the second time I saw it was on my television screen and not a giant theatre screen, which probably helped. It is still, however, one of the most frightening films ever made.

Based upon a true story of a nineteen fifties psycho named Ed Gein, the film has a quasi-documentary feel to it with its grainy footage and cast of virtual unknowns. The film is a visual cornucopia of terror and horror, though there is actually very little gore shown on screen. The unusually macabre sets and the relentless sound of the chainsaw bandied by Leatherface are enough to make the viewer tremble.

The storyline is simple. A group of five teens set off in their van and end up in a rural area, where two of the teens, Sally and Franklin, a brother and sister, are checking out some of their family history. Unfortunately, they come across a house inhabited by one heck of a family of crazies. From the moment they do so, the viewer is taken on a heart-pounding, one-of-a-kind film experience. Deftly directed by Tobe Hooper, this low budget film is a masterpiece for its genre. It is simply one of the scariest and best horror films ever made. Bravo!

I don't care how old this movie is, I still always find myself numb with shock and disbelief every time I watch this brutal classic. It shows you that you don't need a lot of blood and gore to be disturbing or uneasy. The way the film is shot leads you to believe that this stuff actually happened. It's as if you're actually watching real killings caught on camera. That's how powerful this movie is. There are definitely more than a few uneasy moments that make me squirm and cringe, and that is becoming quite the challenge these days, I must be honest.

Sure, it might be a tad dated. However, this does not take away any of the film's power. Inspired by a true story (loosely based on the infamous killer, Ed Gein), this movie has a great script and a nice cast behind it. It never feels overly goofy, nor does it ever feel that it is dragging on too long. Tobe Hooper did an excellent job with such a low budget. To be honest, I think the low budget helped. This would not be the same movie had there been a bigger budget to jazz it all up. The low budget forced Hooper to find a successful way to shoot the movie, and he did. The balance of everything is just right.

"The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" will always be remembered as an ultimate classic that redefined the horror genera as we know it. It is not for people with weak hearts or people who get easily sickened by senseless acts of brutal violence. Even after all of these years, this film has the undeniable power to shock and terrify audiences all around. If you have not seen it yet, go check it out as soon as you can. A landmark horror movie that always delivers, time and time again. -Michael Crane