The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

Dir: Tobe Hooper

Although aped a few zillion times since (not least of all by some of its own sequels), the original "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" still somehow retains its scare factor, despite the familiarity of the material. It's your standard 'mad rednecks' story; bunch of kids driving through Texas run low on gas and get themselves caught by a family of inbred cannibal killers. What sets it apart is hard to place, but the film possesses an unusual power that few of its successors have captured. The skilled photography makes for an incredibly eerie atmosphere, as do the filthy, horrific set designs. The edgy musical score sets you on the edge right from the start and the final final third is quite insane; essentially just 20 minutes of non-stop screaming, it's an interesting experiment in how far you can push cinematic terror. A strange, disquieting and original little film that richly deserves its place in horror history. Never what I'd deem a 'nice' experience though. ***1/2