Texas Chainsaw Massacre (Directed by Tobe Hooper) 1974

So here it is, probably my favourite horror film of all time - the one film that I can watch time and time again just for its atmosphere, let alone its shocks. Made on a low-budget in a blistering summer haze Tobe Hooper gathered together a troop of unknowns and unknowingly propelled them, and himself into the annals of film folklore. The plot was oh so simple, a group of friends decide to visit old haunts and stumble upon an old, seemingly abandoned farmstead. Along the way they pick up a rather demented hitchhiker who they eventually ditch but then meet again as it turns out he's one of the unhinged reprobates who occupy this fetid property - but he's the last of their worries, as those along for the journey - including wheelchair-bound Franklin, succumb to the horrors mainly perpetrated by some guy who wears human flesh as a mask.

When 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' first hit the screens many recoiled in horror, whilst those never brave enough to view this seedy lil' movie simply believed in the rumours and hype that it was some type of gore-soaked snuff movie. There were others of course who believed it was simply a realistic horror film based on the killings of one Ed Gein, but whatever the truth, not many films have caused such controversy. 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' is certainly one of the most terrifying films ever, but only if you understand that type of backwoods realism. I saw a re-release of this movie in the '90s and was shocked by a group of loathsome teenagers in the back row who were laughing at most of the scenes. They clearly thought that today's modern monsters were far more terrifying than being abducted by a bunch of retarded murderers who got kicks out of propping their victims up on meat hooks and sawing them up with a chainsaw. The simple fact is, 'Texas...' IS a terrifying movie in the same way 'Deliverance' is and 'Hills Have Eyes' is etc. It doesn't have to explore our fear of the unknown because the dread it produces can simply lurk around the next corner, whether in a deserted barn, or a run-down shack. More than just a slasher film, 'Texas...' introduces us to several maniacal characters - from Grandpa to the formidable Leatherface, and the opening scenes of him bashing his first victim over the head with a hammer lives long in the memory. Filmed at times like a docu-drama the film also succeeds because of its acting. The scary bad guys are believable, which instantly gives them an advantage over the viewer, and secondly, the victims, especially Sally Hardesty (played by Marilyn Burns) genuinely look as if they've been put through the mill with a real bunch of serial killers. One can never forget her expression as she leaps in that open-back van at the end and stares in horror at Leatherface dancing around in the road.

'Texas...' is a film that is almost flawless because of its achievements with such a low budget, and it was swept up by the censors during the initial 1984 video 'nastie' wave, but despite the controversy it, just like Leatherface keeps coming back. Sadly, all sequels and re-makes haven't been fit to lick the boots of the original let alone lace them, but for real, genuine horror 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' reminds us that there are people out there, in those woods exactly like those disturbed characters that Sally and co' meet. Pulled apart by critics, examined, re-examined, analysed and re-analysed, through it all 'Texas...' is a simple horror film that came at the right time, and it will never be bettered.