In "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre," Feeding Your Family Comes First
"The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" marks its fiftieth anniversary, exploring themes of scarcity, technology's impact on the working class, and the complexities of horror, influencing future cinema and societal discussions.
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The New Yorker article reflects on the sociological themes present in "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre," which marks its fiftieth anniversary. The film is analyzed through its portrayal of the working class, technology's impact on employment, and the desperation stemming from scarcity. The narrative begins with a series of prologues that set a tone of horror, introducing characters who are depicted as decent but ultimately doomed. The hitchhiker they pick up reveals the grim realities of a family affected by automation and unemployment, linking the act of killing to the primal instinct of protecting one's family. The film's production was fraught with challenges, including a low budget and unconventional methods, which contributed to its raw aesthetic. The article emphasizes the film's visual beauty and haunting qualities, suggesting that the true horror lies in the breakdown of societal norms and the blurred lines between victim and villain. It also notes the film's influence on future horror and art-house cinema, highlighting its lasting legacy in the genre. Ultimately, the film serves as a commentary on the human condition, survival, and the lengths to which people will go when faced with existential threats.
- "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" explores themes of scarcity and the impact of technology on the working class.
- The film's production was marked by low budget constraints and innovative techniques.
- It blurs the lines between victim and villain, presenting a complex view of horror.
- The film has influenced a wide range of subsequent horror and art-house films.
- Its lasting legacy continues to provoke discussions about societal issues and human survival instincts.
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7 commentsAs I get older I have become increasingly unaccepting of another's art borne of pain. I allow that a lot of very good art does in fact come from pain of shyness, pain of abandonment, rejection ... unrequited love. But expressing that pain doesn't have to be a cruel expression.
I would say, just my opinion, if you haven't seen "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre", don't bother. I am still unable to find something redeeming from the film (despite the author's suggesting otherwise).
I think instead it remains as a historical reference to the changes in "Hollywood" in the 1970's when drive-ins provided an outlet for underground directors making budget films that were outrageous in their depiction of depravity, etc. Scrub through it in 5 minutes or so and you'll get the idea without having to suffer the full effect of immersion.
I don't understand how this makes the "planets in retrograde" mention "comically obvious?
Husband and wife in Scotland, who lived in a cave and raised their children there. They would go out at night and kill people and then eat them. Supposedly they killed over 1,000 people.
Maybe I'm just too stupid to understand?
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