Devastating news for horror film fans, and in general for cult films “schizos”! Legendary director Tobe Hopper died August 26th, aged 74. Yes, Leatherface has become an orphan….
I still can recall some 25 years ago, renting a poor VHS copy from the local video club of “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (1974). Although, I had read quite a few things about the plot and was prepared for what I was about to watch, the movie blew me away like a hurricane. This was, and still is, my all-time favorite gory slasher-shocker. A movie that has defined the genre with its brutality, blunt visuals and sound. From the first, brutal sudden death to its frenetic blood-soaked finale! The character of Leatherface is simply one of the mot notable in horror cinema, and is 100% fictional, although ‘it was marketed as a true story inspired by the crimes of real-life murderer Ed Gein‘. This low-budget horror flick (less than 300.000$) managed to influence numerous directors and become the best and most influential horror movie of all time. Sequels, prequels, reissues…
Needless to refer to Hooper’s other films, since this was his absolute landmark, among his best ones are “Eaten Alive” (1977), “The Funhouse” (1981), the supernatural horror masterpiece “Poltergeist” (1982), Robert Englund (Freddy Krueger) starring “Night Terrors” (1993) and the brutal remake of “Toolbox Murders” (2004).
I will avoid referring to Hooper’s achievements and career, since this one is mostly an emotional piece. Thank you Tobe for introducing me to the fantastic gore cinema. Thank you for all these chilling nights.
…I will always keep strawberries for your beloved Leatherface!
Christos Doukakis
“The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” original trailer:
“Poltergeist” original trailer:
“Eaten Alive” original trailer:
“The Funhouse” original trailer: