Damn, do I like bell bottom jeans. For some reason I think they're the most attractive leg thing a girl can wear. Hitchhiking's good too. Did you know that in Cuba people are employed to help flag down cars for hitchhikers? And that government vehicles have to stop for people? Neat, huh?
Anyway, this might spook you out of picking up hitchhikers for a while. I did enjoy the crazy, stabby, self-harming, picture-taking guy though, and thought the scene with him was probably the most effectively tense in the whole movie. Overall though I was underwhelmed. To have such a reputation I'd have expected a little more gore, or something. As it is there are just lots of tense scenes that don't all work, lots of screaming, and a little pointless character building. And that bit where she jumps out of the window? Just drop the chainsaw on her, guy! Havn't you seen 'American Psycho'?
I guess not. It is the 70s after all. I guess I should cut it some slack. It's undoubtedly a classic, being an early example of the usual group of stupid teens thing. It's dated, but still effective (if not at delivering actual scares, then at least at building up an atmosphere). The acting is good, and many of the shots are very imaginative. There doesn't seem to be any particular purpose to any of it, beyond tormenting us and the teens as much as possible. The... uh... dysfunctional family's motives aren't even explored, though their personalities are filled out quite well. The ending is definitely well done, it was jarring in the best sort of way - and what is up with Grampa, anyway? Is he a Sith?
Almost in spite of itself, it has become one of the giants of horror. It is definitely better than many other movies of the genre, but personally I didn't particularly enjoy it. Plenty did though. Fair dues.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre: 46.8