Inspired by the crimes of real-life serial murderer Ed Gein, “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” is a brutal, sadistic and gory film about insane cannibalistic murderers, specifically the infamous so-called Leatherface, whom is a chainsaw-wielding serial killer who pierced and slashed countless amounts of individuals. The story follows a group of friends who take a visit to an old farmhouse, when pair by pair and individually, they separately stumble upon their vicious neighbours and experience the unexpected, when they’re butchered like literal pigs, one by one.

Throughout the film, there is a question left wandering around alongside the audience. What drove these crazed humans to get such concept? And, what is the satisfaction that comes within the act of it? I think that from what we can perceive from the Leatherface is that he has been living in a verbally abusive destructive home. Constantly being yelled at and dominated, he is very obedient of what his father tells him to act upon, which are demands of committing murders of victims of their family. He somewhat lives a life of oppression, concluding that disobedience means a punishment. However, Leatherface is a man with feelings about his family's perspectives on him and he often proves his love for his family by murdering the victims. Additionally, his self-conscious and peculiar characteristics portray him as an outcast, which could also drive him to commit his actions. Leatherface is certainly not friendly to the social world around him but he always seemed to respect his family and their intentions. In a psychological manner, Leatherface is literally a child.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is honestly out-dated and not completely terrifying, however, there is something about it that has always been striking in a very disturbing and abnormal manner. The simplicity of this film is what I love the most about it. The film is only 1h 30min, set in a very dull environment, yet since the very moment it starts, the audience perceives an odd sensation from the atmosphere. This film starts off with the most off-putting scene in horror, or slasher, cinema! From the moment they pick up Nubbins Sawyer, the hitchhiker, we know that something is about to go wrong. Nubbins behaves almost erratically, and displays a very odd giggle, and it all becomes too much once he cuts through his hand with a knife. The conversations about the slaughterhouse also form a tense build-up for the film and in general, the entire cinematography truly, excellently captured disturbing shots. From the close-ups on Sally’s frightened eyes, to the clips of the cannibalistic family perceiving enjoyment off of her misery, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is a horror classic!