Amongst the many iconic images of horror, one of the most visceral and recognisable is that of a chainsaw-swinging Texan against the backdrop of golden hour southern America. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) is a personal favourite Halloween pick of mine, with its grounded approach to all things grotesque and frightening being a refreshing change from conventions of the genre.
The steady build-up of the film aids in crafting tension and drawing the audience into the sticky, sweat-soaked height of 70s summer, something the cast and crew themselves had to endure during filming in 1973. Horror typically may not be associated with this seasonal backdrop, but in this case, it works well for subverting expectations and exploiting the fear of such blatant acts of violence in broad daylight. The early introduction of the Hitchhiker establishes a sense of unease that lingers throughout the film, with that sense of discomfort truly taking residence with the introduction of Leatherface.
Here is where the explicitness of the violence has to be discussed as part of the film’s legacy, and one of the key reasons why I think it’s worth acknowledging. The infamous Leatherface and his family members have left a long-standing impression on horror lovers, and the influences of serial killer Ed Gein run strong, whilst tying the trio into the wider canon of horror villains.
The lack of dramatic music leaves nothing to the imagination, as the murders are in full view to the audience. I feel that Pam’s scenes in the house are most effective in conveying why the simplicity of the filmmaking is so important for creating something genuinely terrifying, as her attempt to escape and ultimate capture under a still blazing sun exemplifies the most disturbing aspect of the massacre. The unassuming domesticity and isolation of the area that leaves the chaos completely unnoticed, and the screams entirely unheard.
Be warned, the violence is explicit, but ultimately the minimalist approach to horror filmmaking and genuinely disturbing content makes it a necessary Halloween watch.
