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throatsprockets's profile picture

throatsprockets's review

4.0

This is a solid production history for one of the greatest horror movies ever made, written by the actor who played its star villain. Gunnar Hansen was a smart and capable writer, and as well as offering his own memories he has interviewed many other cast and crew members to get their thoughts (as well as John Landis, who seems to represent the movie's fan base). Hansen doesn't linger too long over any aspect of production, and unlike a lot of these sorts of books he doesn't skimp on post-production even though he obviously was not present for it.
dark funny informative tense medium-paced
michaelrcalkins's profile picture

michaelrcalkins's review

5.0

A great book following the creation of one of the greatest horror flicks ever produced. Hansen’s perspective is always engaging and I learned a lot of things I had no idea about. It really makes me appreciate the performers and creatives behind this, and many other grueling independent films, a lot more.

hcross's review

4.0

This is a very fun book. Gunnar Hansen comes across as thoughtful yet also sporadically dark (the last supper scene in particular).

Essentially, the making of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre was almost as crazy as the movie itself and Hansen recounts his stories well.
adventurous dark emotional funny informative inspiring medium-paced

As a huge fan of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and the horror genre in general I though this was a great little piece of it. 
It’s mostly just a complete run through of the movie making timeline including tidbits from people of the horror genre and other little stories. I love Hansen’s writing voice and felt like a wise uncle was telling me about a time in his life. 
I loved hearing about how the scenes were filmed and the thoughts going through everyone’s heads at the time and how they feel and reflect on it now. 
I would recommend this to anyone (fan or not) as a quick read. 


Crying score: nope 

fantasticmrethan's review

5.0

An amazing read. Fascinating, funny and very intelligent. Recommend to any horror fan. Not only does Leather Face himself talk you through the wild tale of how Texas Chainsaw Massacre got made, he goes on in later chapters to explain why we need horror and why horror get blamed for violence by the media. A truly great author and a great book.
informative slow-paced
dark informative tense medium-paced

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