“The Texas Chainsaw Massacre”
Day 6 of the 2024 31-Days of Horror
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With reports of grave robbing at a Texas cemetery, Sally, Franklin, and their friends head out to make sure their grandfather’s grave hasn’t been disturbed. The decide to visit their deserted family home since they’re in the area, and run out of gasoline. Some of the friends discover a nearby house, which has a running generator, so they go to ask if they can borrow or buy some gasoline. However, they find something much more sinister.
A friend and I had the opportunity to see this on the big screen for the first time for the 50th Anniversary. It holds up amazingly well. For as many times as I’ve seen this, and even though I knew when the jump scares were coming, I still jumped. Every time. The camera work, the score, the acting.
I have to admit that I am more impressed with the writing of and Paul A. Partain’s portrayal of the character Franklin, now that I’m older. Initially and on the surface, he appears to be just an annoyance to his friends and sister. However, the subtle changes in his character from the boy first introduced in the van with his friends vs the frantic, out of control, needy victim-in-waiting, is more nuanced than I’d realized.
This film is a classic for a reason. I will definitely see it on the big screen should I have the opportunity again. So should you.
