What Makes "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" Great?

One of the defining films in the horror-slasher genre, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is as frightening an experience as it was almost 50 years ago. Its brilliant use of its setting and low budget remains an inspiration to indie filmmakers today.

Set in rural Texas, a group of young people and their drive through the countryside turns into a nightmare as they are picked off one by one by a family of cannibals.

The aspect that makes this film such a horror masterpiece is something you figure would work against it. The film was made on a significantly limited budget, which worked in the film's favor. The film's creepy atmosphere just would not have worked if you had shot it in a studio. The casting of mostly unknown actors also works in its favor as it pulls you into the film more. The film has such an unsettling feel to it, you just feel uncomfortable watching it, and that feeling only increases as the film goes on. The scene where the group picks up the hitchhiker is a perfect example of this. The hitchhiker just gives this uncomfortable presence that becomes more so through his mannerisms, way of speaking, and choice of subject matter involving bashing the heads of cows. If any film can teach you the dangers of picking up hitchhikers, this is it.

When the group arrives at the old shack, the film really starts its descent. It's such a creepy setting and the anxiety you feel as the characters are picked off is matched by very few other films of the slasher genre. The film's climax when the sole survivor Sally is captured by the family and set to be killed and eaten is horrifying and disturbing in the most effective ways. When Sally escapes and bursts out the window it looks like she just crawled out of hell. What follows is a brilliant chase scene in which Sally makes her escapes from Leatherface. It's a brilliant way to end the film, and Leatherface maniacally flailing his chainsaw with the rising sun in the background is one of the greatest closing shots in film history.

There is nothing supernatural about the premise of the film, and that adds to the horror factor. In the opening crawl, the film states that the events depicted were based on a true story. The film is actually inspired by real-life killer Ed Gein and the premise of the film is entirely fictional. It's still, however, an effective opening because this is definitely something that could actually happen in our world, making it all the more terrifying.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is an essential watch for anyone who loves the horror genre. Its small budget and innovations because of that budget will likely continue to inspire independent filmmakers for a long time to come.