

Tobe Hooper, 1974
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Photograph: Ronald Grant Archive

Few cinematic moments are as hopelessly distressing as the final scene of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Getting into specifics would be futile, because it would be unfair to spoil the surprise and because no words could ever do justice to the screaming, howling, harrowing nightmare that unfolds after Sally regains consciousness. Needless to say, getting to that point isn't a bundle of laughs.

  1. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
  2. Production year: 1974
  3. Country: USA
  4. Cert (UK): 18
  5. Runtime: 84 mins
  6. Directors: Tobe Hooper
  7. Cast: Edwin Neal, Jim Siedow., Marilyn Burns, Paul A Partain
  8. More on this film

Part of the film's appeal is down to its notoriety. Based on the real-life story of Ed Gein, it was denied a formal rating by the British Board of Film Classification for 25 years and wasn't even shown on TV here until a decade ago. But mostly it's because the film is so compelling. Made on the cheap, in sweltering conditions,
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre has a nasty, grubby feel, giving it a disturbing verisimilitude that has yet to be matched in any of its countless sequels, remakes and imitations. Academics have tried painting the film as a reaction to everything from Watergate and Vietnam to capitalism. You won't get any of that while you're watching, though. You'll be too busy whimpering and chewing on your fist.

Genuinely one of the most influential films ever made, and one that deserves to be watched. You won't be able to sleep afterwards, but that won't matter.

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