Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)

Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)

We interrupt the regularly scheduled program for jaunt to a more recently released horror movie trailer - recent as in 5 years old instead of 30 - heh. Today, let's take a look back at the 2003 release and remake of Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

Last night I was talking to my son about some of the classic horror movies that have changed or inspired cinema in profound ways: Alien, Jaws, Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) and Exorcist. As conversation continued we talked about remakes and the thought that they suck but then sometimes don't -- Dawn of the Dead, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Ring -- and that we are looking forward to the upcoming remake of Friday the 13th.

Then I remembered how the trailer alone for the Texas Chainsaw remake was so successful converting many doubters in about 2 minutes 10 seconds. This trailer is brilliant in its execution. It sets you up quickly with a series of introductions and events and leads you into a collection of increasingly tense moments each cut with a freeze frame, camera flash and sound. Then, the selling moment of the clip, the screen goes black and you hear Jessica Beal wimpering and then footsteps surrounding her. As you feel yourself lean into the screen itself you hear a sudden roar, the unmistakable sound of the chainsaw firing up and grinding for something to tear and rip into .... then it appears, violently, out of the darkness and the trailer picks up.

This is one of the best trailers in the past few years. With the same production team and director handling the Friday the 13th remake early next year, one can only hope, beyond hope, that it too will live up. Recently released footage from San Diego Comic Con gives all horror fans hope.

TCM 2003 was directed by Marcus Nispel and stars Jessica Beal, Jonathan Tucker, Eric Balfour and the great R. Lee Ermey.

So here it is ... Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)