Celebrating the 50th anniversary of 'The Texas Chain Saw Massacre'

AUSTIN (KXAN) — On the 50th anniversary of "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre," the film remains a significant influence on the Texas film industry, particularly in Central Texas.

"'The Texas Chain Saw Massacre' put Central Texas on the map for filmmakers," said Brian Gannon, senior director of marketing and Certified Film Commissioner for the Austin Film Commission. "It proved that with creativity and determination, local resources could produce a film that resonates worldwide. This led to a surge of interest in filming in Texas."

The film's impact on Central Texas filmmaking

Before "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre," Texas was not widely recognized as a hub for film production. However, the success of this $150,000 horror film, which grossed over $30 million at the box office, showcased the potential for Texas as a viable location for film shoots, according to Gannon. The film’s realism and innovative techniques showed that cinematic achievements could be accomplished outside of Hollywood​​.

Robert Redford, an American actor and filmmaker, noticed the film's well-received success. Witnessing the rise of this low-budget film, Redford believed in creating a shared space for unknown directors and producers to showcase their work. This led to the creation of one of the nation's biggest film festivals, the Sundance Film Festival, as Gannon highlights.

A new standard in horror cinema

The film’s raw and realistic approach set a new standard for horror cinema, influencing countless filmmakers. This influence is evident in the numerous horror films that followed, adopting similar techniques of suspense and psychological terror.

The film conveyed a sense of terror without showing overwhelming gore, as noted by critics. The cinematography, with its short, quick camera shots and close-ups, contributed to an eerie and uncomfortable viewing experience, as highlighted by Gannon.

Nathan Smart, a UT student, self-proclaimed film aficionado and Austin native, echoed this sentiment.

"Growing up in Austin, 'The Texas Chain Saw Massacre' was always part of the local movie culture," Smart said. "It's inspiring to see how a film made here has had such a lasting impact on the genre and the industry."

Statistical impact on the Texas film industry

According to a Texas Film Commission report, the film industry’s economic impact on Texas is substantial. From 2007 to 2017, the state saw a 20% increase in film production-related jobs. This growth can be traced back to the precedent "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" set and the subsequent interest in filming in Texas.

Additionally, the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program has provided more than $200 million in grants to support film, television and video game production in the state, further boosting local economies and job creation​​, according to the Texas Film Commission website.

Gannon pointed out that the infrastructure for supporting films in Texas has grown significantly.

"The success of 'The Texas Chain Saw Massacre' and subsequent films has led to the development of more studios, post-production facilities and a more skilled workforce," Gannon said. "This has made Texas an attractive location for major film projects."

Boost to local filmmaking and economy

The success of "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" encouraged more productions to consider Texas, leading to an increase in local filmmaking activity, according to Gannon. Films such as "No Country for Old Men," "Boyhood," and "Dazed and Confused" were shot in Texas, benefiting from the groundwork laid by Hooper’s horror classic.

"The film showed that you don't need a massive budget to create something impactful. It’s about the story and the execution," Gannon said. "This has inspired many local filmmakers to pursue their projects right here in Central Texas."

A 2023 study by the Motion Picture Association (MPA), using data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, revealed that the American film and television industry sustains 2.4 million jobs, distributes $186 billion in total wages, and includes over 122,000 businesses.

According to the MPA, in 2020, the film and television sector directly provided more than 54,730 jobs in Texas, encompassing both production roles and jobs related to movie distribution, resulting in a total of $4.04 billion in wages.

Legacy of innovation and inspiration

"The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" did more than redefine horror; it revolutionized the filmmaking industry in Texas, paving the way for future productions and solidifying the state’s place in the cinematic world, Gannon said.

"I think, in Austin and in Texas, it's the ultimate horror movie, and I think everyone's super proud that it was — came from here," Smart said. "It's truly original. There's no other movie out there like it, and I'm like, that is the true awesome thing — is to make something original that has a lasting impact, and to do it on your own terms in a true creative and unique Austin fashion."