Lone Star Scene: 'Texas Chain Saw' legacy spans decades
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Nearly four decades ago, "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" made its mark as an icon
of unforgettable horror. The remnants of the series are back in theaters once again.
The idea started in Austin shopping mall, where power tools gave filmmaker Tobe Hooper the grisly inspiration for "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" and its killer character Leatherface. Hooper's 1974 cult-classic remains a landmark movie that influenced an entire era of horror.
"It worked on a new level. When it came out, it was like something that had not been seen," Hooper said.
Hooper went on to make a sequel in 1986. Since then, the series carried on without his direction, spawning prequels, remakes and, most recently, the first direct sequel to the original in 3D.
While technology has advanced, Hooper hasn't been a big believer in recent releases, saying the industry just doesn't make genre movies like it used to.
"You don't have to think as much as a audience and I like conundrums and unraveling a mystery and things like that," Hooper said.
The legend of Leatherface is still a hot seller. "Texas Chainsaw 3D" earned $10 million on Friday, the most of any movie currently in theaters.
Regardless of reviews, Hooper may be one of the biggest critics when asked if anything in the series comes close to being as good as the original.
"No, no, no, but this new film does capture the spirt and really is a logical place to go with it. It's really good and it's really scary," Hooper said.
Hooper continues to direct scary movies. His latest horror flick called "Djinn," is in post-production and Hooper said he hopes to show it at an area festival in the near future.