I can certainly appreciate the impact its had on pretty much all teenage horror films to come, and probably remains the best (which isn't saying a lot I know). Whilst it didn't particularly scare me or my friend (more amused us in its characters or bizarre scenes) I could also appreciate the horror it would have caused back in the 70s. In this modern 21st century we've been desensitised to such horrors, with victims being cut up by chainsaws becoming a commonplace thing.. and far more graphic! Texas Chainsaw at least leaves a surprising amount to the gore off camera which works fantastically.
Yes the characters are uninspiring and uninteresting but it doesn't really matter, they are merely pawns to aid in the suspense and brutality (and *Spoiler* most die within the first half of the film anyway!). The direction by Tobe Hooper is surprisingly impressive with lasting, impactive panoramic shots of Leatherface or close up eye shots of one of the victims.
Its possibly one of the most inspirational horror film ever made, (which is likely why so many shit slashers soon followed in its wake) that shows how even with such a small budget you can create such atmosphere and brutality. Horror to me is about what the human imagination can do with the material in the aftermath of watching a film. In this sense Texas Chainsaw is a masterpiece in horror, and applying the 'time it was released' factor only adds to my appreciation of this movie. [A-]
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