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67
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45
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71
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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed movies.
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86
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71
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44
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75
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49
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65
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xx
White on Rice
59
William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe
74
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43
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69
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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed movies.
Texas Chain Saw Massacre, The
EMAILPRINTBryanston Films Ltd.
Generally favorable reviews
Based on 5 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 23 votes
Read user comments
Rate this movie >
Movie Info
Genre(s): Suspense/Thriller
Written by:
Tobe Hooper (story)
Kim Henkel (story)
Directed by: Tobe Hooper
Release Date:
Theatrical: October 1, 1974
DVD: October 6, 1998
Running Time: 83 minutes, Color
Origin: USA
Summary
RATING: R
Starring Marilyn Burns, Allen Danziger, Paul A. Partain, William Vail, Teri McMinn, Edwin Neal, Gunnar Hansen, and John Dugan
The story begins with five innocent kids on their way to checkout reports of grave robbing. As Sally, (Burns) her invalid brother Franklin, and three friends head out to inspect the gravesite of her family, they are soon side tracked on the ultimate journey of terror. One by one, they wander into the murderous clutches of Leatherface and his trusty chainsaw. The poster reads: "Who will survive and what will be left of them?" In this case, not much, and what is...well, becomes the main course. (House of Horrors)
Also On Metacritic
FILM: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003) The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning
Also On The Web: Internet Movie Database Official Studio Site Marc Savlov Interview
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
Austin Chronicle Mike Emery
Hooper's vision is horrid yet engrossing... But the worst part about this vision is that despite its sensational aspects, it never seems too far from what could be the truth.
Read Full Review >Film Threat Chris Parcellin
A black-humored, unflinching look at the Ugly American at his psychotic worst. And Tobe Hooper is at his best as a writer and director here.
Read Full Review >TV Guide Staff (Not Credited)
An intelligent, absorbing, and deeply disturbing horror film that is nearly bloodless in its depiction of violence. Using the age-old technique of suggestion, combined with a gritty, well-executed (no pun intended) visual style, the film seems much bloodier than it actually is.
Read Full Review >Chicago Reader Dave Kehr
The picture gets to you more through its intensity than its craft, but Hooper does have a talent.
Read Full Review >Variety Staff (Not Credited)
Despite the heavy doses of gore in The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Tobe Hooper's pic is well made for an exploiter of its type... Sharp sense of composition and careful accumulation of detail also help enliven the crude plot, and the acting is above par for this type of film.
What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this movie is 7.8 (out of 10) based on 23 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Jay H. gave it a7:
The Granddaddy of all slasher films. It does an amazing job with such a low budget. Great camerawork, fine direction and it is definitely scary. The screaming girl gets to be a bit much though.
David S. gave it an8:
This movie is an atmospheric powerhouse. I don't think I've ever seen a film that quite portrays so unique a feel. Although some scenes seem overplayed today, and splatter-fans wont be too disturbed by it, 'Massacre' still packs a punch with its nightmareish dusty red visuals and slow but determined development. The deaths themselves are rather unique, since they are done in a brutal but almost offhanded manner, in contrast to the "look, see? He's dead! Isn't it horrible??" style of many modern horror movies. The final piece of the puzzle is the experimental but fitting musical score, which compliments the visuals very well. A movie that holds its own, even today.
IanRey P. gave it a9:
I have only watched this version of the Texas Chainsaw, and it had a good story. The sounds really spooked me, and I had to lower the volume. I was scared in some scenes but I wished those scenes were expanded more, I did not felt so much is some of them. Since this film was made in the 70s I had to give a bigger credit and give it a 9.
Ally B. gave it a10:
I first saw this movie back in 98 when i was about 15 years old, and at the time, i was so terrified to even walk along my street at night it affected me that much, I refused to watch it again until someone as a laugh bought it for me for Christmas a few years later. It was only then i began to appreciate the movie and the intensity of the atmosphere that surrounded the whole movie in general, Yes it still scares the *bleep* out of me but thats why i love it, It makes me feel every emotion under the sun, Claustrophobia, Fear, Tension, Joy, Reflection, and bloomin' well thankful that i wont ever come across Leatherface anytime soon!
Robin E. gave it a10:
One of the greatest movies of all time!
Alex S. gave it a10:
Definitely a classic. Made long before attention deficit cinema came along and made everyone, collectively, a little dumber than we once were. The establishing shots in the early parts of the film are so moody, slow and dread inducing - a fitting set-up for what comes later. This is how it's done.
Michael E. gave it a10:
Way, WAY more intense and disturbing than it's numerous remakes and, in fact, almost any horror film made in the last decade.
