In the 1974 apocalyptic film, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, is a film that demonstrates how horror films became a different type of horror. The film really changed the narrative of slasher films and how it exemplified ones to follow. The tone of the movie is set in the beginning when Sally, Franklin, Jerry, Kirk, and Pam all set out for a happy summer getaway to check out Hardesty’s grave that turns into a horrible nightmare. In Tony Williams’ article it illustrates how Franklin and Leatherface are similar in a way. Both Franklin and Leatherface are to a great extent, reliant on their families. Parallel, Sally looks out for Franklin by helping him out with his handicap self as he sets anxiously off in search for his friends Kirk, Jenny, and Pam. In likeness, Hitchhiker protects Leatherface from their abusive father. Franklin always feels left out from the others in the group which causes him to force himself into “fitting” in.
Source: Vortex films, 1974, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
(Franklin being left out of the conversation, making it seem like he does not fit in)
Williams also dilates how the slaughterhouse family is a bunch of cannibalistic losers that can’t gain anything due to the new technology and changing historical forces (pg 187). It can be easily seen by viewers that the slaughterhouse family have savagely cruel family habits. Likewise, Hitchhiker shows his crazy habits by laughing at himself, Sally, and Franklin, and by cutting himself and smearing the blood all over the van. This is only the beginning of the savageness that the slaughterhouse family brings. In the pursuit of following Hitchhikers footsteps, Leatherface is just if not more of a savage maniac. He sets off in the house in sight of anyone that comes near. Falling in his trap, Kirk, Jerry, and Pam, and Franklin all see the wrath of Leatherface and are murdered viscously. Both Hitchhiker and Leatherface are physcotic and it is apparent to the audience that they enjoy watching their victims suffer a tremendous amount. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre does not let apocalyptic presence outweigh the film. The young teenagers negate disturbing social realities. Reagan and Hooper’s film has abundant key features in which violent effects become the benchmark of horror films. Similarly, there are many scenes where the audience sees gruesome visual effects. From Leatherface torturing Pam as he hangs her from a metal hook as Leatherface is about to decapitate Kirk’s head with a chainsaw to Sally being tied to a chair.
Source: Vortex Films, 1974, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
(Pam being hung watching Kirk’s death)
Overall, the slaughterhouse family is a nightmare for every American family. They are often rejected by society and are a wholesale savage looking for meaning in their lives.
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