The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: A Family Portrait
Written and Directed by Brad Shallady
MTI Home Video Release 2000

reviews by Terry Wickham

Leatherface, The Hitchhiker, Grandpa and The Cook spend close to an hour telling what it was like to make The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. It was certainly no picnic as the cast and crew had to endure temperatures above 100 degrees, little pay and the infamous "dinner table" scene.

It's now legendary that Tobe Hopper pushed his cast and crew past 24-hours to shoot the dinner scene. We learn that the torrid temperature outside combined with the ultra hot lights made the food in the scene, actually rot on the table. The stench was overwhelming and a couple actors admit that they lost themselves as the characters. They say if it looks they appear a bit crazy on the screen, it's because the shooting condition basically made it real.

We find out exactly how each actor was cast and how each person felt about making TCM. Each person openly admits that they didn't have a clue that the film would turn out to be the worldwide sensation and highly respected film that it is today.

What this DVD really shows is that if you put together the right people, with a decent script, that no matter what the conditions, a good film can be made. It's also interesting to hear the affect TCM has had on each one of their lives. Gunnar Hansen in particular says that the movie is certainly not the most important thing in his life.

Ed Neal is captivating to listen to. Sometimes when he speaks, you wonder if the Hitchhiker is about to take over. He's got this edginess right below the surface, just waiting to be released.

Jim Siedow has an aura about him that's hard not to like. As the elder statesman of the group, his voice of experience is just a joy to listen to.

John Dugan is probably the most unusual to look at, since he played Grandpa under heavy make-up, when he's actually a young guy. The actors don't forget to mention actress Marilyn Burns. They tell how she had to overcome some real physical pain and still stayed in character all the way to the end of the film. I think it's a great thing that they talk about her, because her contribution to TCM is huge.

This DVD is a remastered version of the videotape that came out in the late 80's and includes the trailer, some behind the scenes photos and footage that wasn't used. You must own this if you have any interest in the genre. Heck, you might want to go back and re-watch The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, because you will appreciate the extraordinary the efforts of those who were involved.

Official Site
http://www.mtihomevideo.com

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