The Museum of Modern Art in New York is currently celebrating the 50th anniversary of Tobe Hooper’s iconic horror film, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. While the film is often associated with Austin, where it was conceived and filmed, MoMA is highlighting the pivotal role that New York played in its history.
The celebration at MoMA kicked off with a series of screenings of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, not only to mark the movie’s milestone anniversary but also to commemorate its inclusion in the museum’s permanent collection for the past fifty years. Following the screenings, the museum will host a season titled “Tobe Hooper in the 1980s,” showcasing a retrospective of the director’s films from that decade, including The Funhouse, Poltergeist, Lifeforce, Invaders from Mars, and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2.
In 1974, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre faced bans and censorship in several countries, sparking outrage and debate. MoMA film curator Ron Magliozzi emphasized the significance of the film’s inclusion in the museum’s collection, highlighting the challenges it faced in being recognized as a work of art. He credited MoMA Department of Film curators Larry Kardish and Adrienne Mancia for their decision to bring the film into the museum’s vaults, despite facing criticism for their choice. Magliozzi explained, “It wasn’t politically correct to bring that in, and a lot of people didn’t like it.” However, he noted that the inclusion of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre aligned with the department’s history of championing diverse and groundbreaking films.
The decision to include The Texas Chain Saw Massacre in MoMA’s collection reflected the curators’ appreciation for films beyond traditional genres, such as Hollywood blockbusters. Kardish and Mancia sought out films that pushed boundaries and challenged conventional norms, including works by avant-garde filmmakers, European art films, and American independent films. Magliozzi highlighted the importance of recognizing the film’s reinvention of genre and its impact on horror filmmaking.
While The Texas Chain Saw Massacre was initially considered an exploitation film aimed at commercial success, it resonated with audiences for its unique blend of humor and horror. Magliozzi compared the film to Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, noting similarities in their narrative structures and camera work. He praised cinematographer Daniel Pearl’s elegant camera movements and the film’s ability to evoke classic Hollywood filmmaking techniques.
The ongoing “Tobe Hooper in the 1980s” series at MoMA offers audiences a chance to revisit the director’s diverse filmography, showcasing his range of storytelling and filmmaking styles. Magliozzi highlighted the significance of The Funhouse, an early and lesser-known film in Hooper’s career, as a testament to his versatility as a filmmaker.
The impact of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre on the horror genre cannot be understated, as it introduced elements of humor and pleasure into a genre known for its dark and harrowing themes. Magliozzi contrasted the film with Wes Craven’s Last House on the Left, noting the former’s ability to entertain and engage audiences through its unique blend of humor and horror. He emphasized the film’s enduring legacy and raw, gritty filmmaking style that sets it apart from modern remakes and reboots.
The screenings of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre at MoMA serve as a reminder of the film’s lasting impact on cinema and its recognition as a classic in the horror genre. Magliozzi expressed his admiration for the film’s ability to stand the test of time and maintain its relevance in a constantly evolving film landscape. He encouraged audiences to experience the film in its original format, appreciating its low-budget, analog aesthetic and raw storytelling.
As MoMA continues to showcase Tobe Hooper’s films from the 1980s, audiences have the opportunity to delve deeper into the director’s diverse and visionary work. The retrospective series not only celebrates Hooper’s contributions to cinema but also highlights the enduring legacy of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre as a groundbreaking and influential film in the horror genre.
In conclusion, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre’s inclusion in MoMA’s permanent collection and the ongoing retrospective of Tobe Hooper’s films at the museum underscore the film’s cultural significance and lasting impact on cinema. Through screenings and discussions, audiences can appreciate the film’s contributions to horror filmmaking and its unique blend of humor, horror, and raw storytelling. MoMA’s recognition of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre as a work of art reflects the museum’s commitment to showcasing diverse and groundbreaking films that challenge conventions and push boundaries in the world of cinema.
