10 Fun Facts About The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is a classic horror movie that has terrified audiences for decades. Directed by Tobe Hooper and released in 1974, the film tells the story of a group of friends who are terrorized by a family of cannibals in rural Texas.

While the movie’s graphic violence and disturbing imagery may not be for everyone, it has become a beloved cult classic that has inspired countless imitators. In this post, we’ll take a look at 10 fun facts about The Texas Chainsaw Massacre that you may not have known.

 

1. Tobe Hooper, The Beginning

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre was released in 1974 and was directed by Tobe Hooper. It was his first feature-length film. The movie was made on a low budget of just $300,000, and it became a cult classic that has inspired numerous sequels, remakes, and spin-offs over the years.

 

2. Ed Gein

The film was inspired by the real-life crimes of Ed Gein, a notorious serial killer who lived in Wisconsin in the 1950s. Gein was known for his gruesome acts, including grave robbing, murder, and the creation of furniture and clothing made from human skin and bones.

 

3. Austin Texas

The movie was filmed in and around Austin, Texas, on a budget of just $300,000. The cast and crew had to work with limited resources, and many of the scenes were filmed in sweltering heat.

 

4. Real Chainsaw

The iconic chainsaw used in the film was a real chainsaw, but the blade was removed to make it safe for the actors. The sound of the chainsaw was added in post-production, along with other sound effects that helped to create the film’s tense and terrifying atmosphere.

5. Banned

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre was banned in several countries upon its initial release, including the UK and Australia. The film’s graphic violence and disturbing content were deemed too extreme for audiences in these countries.

 

6. X Rating

The movie was originally given an X rating by the MPAA, but was later re-rated as R. The film’s graphic violence and disturbing content were controversial at the time, and it was initially difficult to find a distributor willing to release the movie.

 

7. No Experience

The role of Leatherface was played by Gunnar Hansen, who had no prior acting experience. Hansen brought a sense of authenticity to the role, and his portrayal of the deranged killer has become one of the most iconic performances in horror movie history.

 

8. Head Cheese

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre was originally titled “Head Cheese” before it was changed to its current name.

 

9. Salvador Dali

The movie’s iconic poster, featuring Leatherface holding a chainsaw and wearing a mask made of human skin, was inspired by the artwork of Salvador Dali.

 

10. The Costume

The character of Leatherface was originally envisioned as a cross-dressing, chainsaw-wielding madman, but this idea was ultimately scrapped in favor of the more iconic look of a masked killer.

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