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The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
1974 83 min United States of America R 18+
★7.5
Horror
Director: Tobe Hooper
Trailers
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Description
Five friends head out to rural Texas to visit the grave of a grandfather. On the way, they stumble across what appears to be a deserted house, only to discover something sinister within. Something armed with a chainsaw.
Budget:
$140,000
US Gross:
$30.86M
Worldwide:
$30.92M
Starring
Marilyn Burns
Actor
Edwin Neal
Actor
Allen Danziger
Actor
Awards
Saturn Awards 2015
— Best Special Blu-ray/DVD Edition
Key opinion
Tobe Hooper's 1974 slasher is widely recognized as a seminal, genre-defining classic that remains influential for its raw, unsettling atmosphere and iconic antagonist. While its low-budget aesthetic and commitment to dread are praised, reactions to its narrative and performances are polarized, with some viewers finding the film unintentionally comedic or dated.
| Production | The film's gritty, low-budget atmosphere creates a lasting sense of dread and realism that defines its horror aesthetic. | |
| Acting | Gunnar Hansen’s performance as Leatherface established an iconic horror figure whose presence and signature chainsaw noise serve as genre shorthand. | |
| Culture | The film’s historical significance as a progenitor of the slasher genre makes it an essential viewing experience for any serious horror fan. | |
| Ending | The final act divides opinion, as some viewers find the chaotic, manic energy and dark comedy of the climax riveting, while others perceive it as incoherent and unsatisfying. | |
| Acting | Opinions on the cast are split, with some praising the raw, visceral intensity of the performances while others find the acting erratic or laughable. | |
| Screenplay | The narrative is a point of contention; supporters appreciate its sparse, straightforward dread, whereas critics highlight glaring plot holes and a lack of clear character motivation. |