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'''''The Texas Chainsaw Massacre''''' is a 2003 American ] directed by ] in his feature directorial debut, with a screenplay by ]. The film stars ], ] and ] in lead roles, with ], ], and ] in supporting roles. '''''The Texas Chainsaw Massacre''''' is a 2003 American ] directed by ] (in his feature directorial debut), written by ], and starring ], ], ], ], ], and ]. Its plot follows a group of young adults traveling through rural ] who encounter ] and his murderous family. It is a ] of ]'s 1974 film '']'', and the fifth installment in ]. Several crew members of the original film were involved with the project: Hooper and writer ] served as co-producers, ] returned as cinematographer, and ] reprised his voice narration for the opening ]s.


The film was released in the United States on October 17, 2003, received mostly negative reviews from critics, and grossed $107 million at the box office on a budget of $9.5 million. A ] was released in 2006, titled '']''. ''The Texas Chainsaw Massacre'' was the first film to be produced by ], who would go on to produce remakes of several other 20th-century horror films.
The plot follows a group of young adults traveling through rural ] who encounter the sadistic ] and his murderous family. This film is a ] of the 1974 horror classic ], directed by ], and it serves as the fifth installment in ]. Several original crew members, including Hooper and ], returned as co-producers, with ] reprising his role as cinematographer, and ] providing the voice narration for the opening ]s.

''The Texas Chainsaw Massacre'' premiered on October 17, 2003 and received negative reviews from critics, who criticized its pacing, writing, and lack of character development. The film emerged as a commercial success at the box-office, grossing over $107 million worldwide on a budget of $9.5 million. The film's success marked the first production by ], a company that went on to produce remakes of several other notable horror films.

A ], ], was released on October 6, 2006, though it received mixed reviews and was less successful at the box-office.


==Plot== ==Plot==
<!-- Per WP:FILMPLOT, the plot summary should be 400-700 words. -->
On August 18, 1973, five young adults—Erin, her boyfriend Kemper, Erin’s brother Morgan, and hitchhikers Andy and Pepper—are traveling to a concert after purchasing ] in ]. While driving through rural ], they encounter a traumatized ] walking aimlessly on the road. She speaks incoherently about "a bad man" before pulling out a ] and fatally shooting herself. On August 18, 1973, five young adults – Erin, her boyfriend Kemper, Erin’s brother Morgan, and hitchhikers, Andy and Pepper – are traveling to a concert after visiting ] to purchase ]. While driving through ], they pick up a traumatized hitchhiker walking in the middle of the road. They try to talk with her, who speaks incoherently about "a bad man", pulls out a revolver and shoots herself in the mouth.


Seeking help, the group stops at a nearby gas station where a woman named Luda Mae directs them to meet Sheriff Hoyt at a local mill. Upon arriving, they find a boy named Jedidiah, who claims Hoyt is at home drinking. Erin and Kemper leave to search for Hoyt, while the others remain at the mill. The two eventually reach a rundown plantation house, and Erin is let inside by Monty, an amputee, to use the phone. While Erin is inside, Kemper is attacked and killed by Thomas "]" Hewitt, who drags his body into the basement and mutilates him, finding an engagement ring Kemper had planned to give to Erin. The group goes to a nearby gas station to contact the police, where a woman, Luda Mae, tells them to meet ] at the mill. Instead, they find ], a young boy who says Hoyt is at home ]. Erin and Kemper go through the woods to find his house, leaving Morgan, Andy, and Pepper at the mill with Jedidiah. They come across a plantation house, and Erin is allowed inside by ], an amputee, to call for help. Kemper goes inside to look for Erin, and is hit in the head with a sledgehammer by Thomas "]" Hewitt, who drags him into the basement. There, he butchers Kemper and finds the ring the latter intended to propose to Erin with.


Back at the mill, Sheriff Hoyt arrives, disposes of the hitchhiker's body, and grows suspicious of the group. When Erin returns to the plantation house with Andy, Leatherface attacks them with a ]. Andy sacrifices himself to allow Erin to escape, but Leatherface captures him, cuts off his leg, and hangs him on a meat hook in the basement. Erin returns to the mill, but Hoyt soon arrives and forces Morgan to reenact the hitchhiker's suicide with an unloaded gun. Hoyt then takes Morgan to the Hewitt house, beating him en route. Meanwhile, Hoyt arrives at the mill and disposes of the hitchhiker's body. After Erin discovers that Kemper is missing, she and Andy return to Monty's house. There, Erin distracts Monty, while Andy searches for Kemper. After realizing that Andy is inside, Monty summons Leatherface who with a chainsaw, attacks Andy, who tells Erin to save herself. Erin escapes to the woods, while Leatherface catches up to Andy and saws off the latter's left leg. After carrying the horrified Andy to the basement, Leatherface impales him on a meat hook and tortures him further by rubbing salt on his stump of a leg. Erin returns to the mill, but before she and the others can leave, Hoyt arrives. After finding marijuana on the dashboard, Hoyt orders Erin and Pepper to get out of the van, gives Morgan the gun he took from the hitchhiker, and tells him to reenact how she killed herself. Morgan attempts to shoot Hoyt, but the gun is unloaded. Hoyt handcuffs Morgan and drives him back to the house, giving him a beating along the way.


Inside the house, Andy tries in vain to escape from the meat hook, while Leatherface terrorizes Erin and the others. As Erin and Pepper attempt to flee, Pepper is killed, and Erin finds herself trapped in a trailer with two women who drug her. She awakens at the Hewitt house, surrounded by the family: Leatherface, Luda Mae, Hoyt, Monty, and Jedidiah. The family reveals Leatherface's disfigurement was caused by a skin disease, and they have taken it upon themselves to care for him. Back at the house, Andy awakens after passing out from the pain and, in desperation, he tries to lift himself off the meat hook. However, Leatherface has booby trapped the chains holding it up causing Andy to impale himself further. Erin and Pepper are tracked down by Leatherface, now wearing Kemper's face as a mask. While attempting to run, Pepper is killed by Leatherface. Erin runs and hides in a nearby trailer belonging to the Tea Lady, a fat middle-aged woman, and Henrietta, a younger woman who gives her tea that has been drugged. Erin discovers that they have kidnapped the hitchhiker's baby, but passes out before she can escape. Erin wakes up at the house, surrounded by the Hewitt family: Leatherface, his mother Luda Mae, Hoyt, Monty, and Jedidiah. Leatherface was tormented his whole life because of a skin disease that left his face disfigured, and Luda Mae felt that no one cared for her family besides themselves.


In the basement, Erin discovers the bodies of Leatherface's previous victims, including Andy, who begs for death. Erin mercifully kills him and rescues Morgan. With Jedidiah's help, they escape the house, but Leatherface catches up and kills Morgan. Erin flees to a slaughterhouse where she severs Leatherface's arm with a meat cleaver, managing to escape. In the basement, Erin finds the remains of Leatherface's victims and Andy, still hanging on the meat hook. After trying to help Andy, Erin puts him out of his misery when she cannot lift him off the hook. Afterwards, she finds Morgan handcuffed in a bathtub and wounded. Jedidiah, who disagrees with his family's actions, leads them out of the house and distracts Leatherface while they escape. Erin and Morgan find an abandoned shack in the woods, and barricade themselves inside. Leatherface breaks in and discovers Erin. Morgan attacks Leatherface, who hangs him from a chandelier by his handcuffs and kills him with the chainsaw. Erin escapes into the woods with Leatherface in tow. She finds a slaughterhouse and attacks Leatherface with a meat cleaver, severing his right arm.


Erin is eventually picked up by a trucker who stops at the gas station for help. Realizing the danger, she sneaks the kidnapped baby from the family’s care and escapes in the sheriff's car. Hoyt attempts to stop her, but Erin runs him over multiple times, killing him. Leatherface tries to attack her as she drives away, but she escapes with the baby. Two days later, the investigation of the Hewitt house leads to the deaths of two officers at the hands of Leatherface, leaving the case unresolved. Erin runs outside and flags down a trucker, whom she tries to convince to drive away from the house, but he stops to find help at the gas station. Erin sees Luda Mae & Hoyt talk to the trucker while Henrietta watches the baby. As Henrietta walks outside to give Luda Mae her raincoat, Erin sneaks the baby out of the eatery, and places her in the sheriff's car. Erin hot-wires the car and Hoyt tries to stop her, who runs him over repeatedly until he is dead. Leatherface then appears in the road and slashes the car with his chainsaw, but Erin escapes with the baby. Two days later, two officers investigating the house are killed by Leatherface, and the case remains open.


==Cast== ==Cast==
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==Production== ==Production==
{{expand section|date=January 2020}}

===Development=== ===Development===
On December 5, 2001, ''CreatureCorner.com'' reported that ]'s newly created company, ], which was established to produce low-budget films, had set its sights on remaking ]. Early reports indicated that the remake would be presented in a flashback format, with actress ]—who starred in the original film—reprising her role as an aged ] and recounting the traumatic events of the original story. It was also confirmed that the filmmakers had already secured the rights to the 1974 film. On December 5, 2001, Creature Corner.com reported that ]'s newly created company ] (which was created in order to produce low-budget films), had set its focus on remaking '']''. Early announcements on the site indicated that the story would be told in flashback with actress ], who starred in the original film, reprising her role as an aged ] recounting the events in the film. It was later announced that the filmmakers had already purchased the rights to the original film.


Initially, it was announced that the original creators, ] and ], were involved in writing a script for the remake, though it was unclear if their script would ultimately be used. In June 2002, ] was confirmed to direct the film, marking his feature directorial debut.<ref name="Mania.com">{{cite web |title=Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The - Mania.com |url=http://www.mania.com/texas-chainsaw-massacre_article_35579.html?action=add_comment |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826114822/http://www.mania.com/texas-chainsaw-massacre_article_35579.html?action=add_comment |archive-date=August 26, 2014 |access-date=August 21, 2014 |website=Mania.com}}</ref> Nispel admitted that he was initially opposed to the idea of remaking such an iconic film, calling it "blasphemy." However, he was convinced to join the project by his longtime director of photography, ], who had also shot the original ''Texas Chainsaw Massacre'' and wanted to bookend his career by working on both films.<ref>{{cite web |last=Pollard |first=Andrew |title=Marcus Nispel {{!}} THE ASYLUM, TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE, FRIDAY THE 13TH |url=http://www.starburstmagazine.com/features/interviews/11861-marcus-nispel-the-asylum-texas-chainsaw-massacre-friday-the-13th |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180405011723/https://www.starburstmagazine.com/features/marcus-nispel-the-asylum-texas-chainsaw-massacre-friday-the-13th |archive-date=April 5, 2018 |access-date=February 24, 2016 |work=]}}</ref> Early in the film's production the original filmmakers ] and ] would be writing a script for the film, but it was unknown at the time whether or not their script would be used. In June 2002, it was announced that ] would direct the film in his directorial debut.<ref name="Mania.com">{{cite web|title=Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The - Mania.com|url=http://www.mania.com/texas-chainsaw-massacre_article_35579.html?action=add_comment|website=Mania.com|access-date=August 21, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826114822/http://www.mania.com/texas-chainsaw-massacre_article_35579.html?action=add_comment|archive-date=August 26, 2014}}</ref> Nispel said that he was initially against the idea of remaking the film, calling it "blasphemy" to his longtime director of photography, ], who had shot the original film. Pearl, however, encouraged Nispel to join the project, as he wanted to bookend his career with ''Chainsaw'' films.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.starburstmagazine.com/features/interviews/11861-marcus-nispel-the-asylum-texas-chainsaw-massacre-friday-the-13th|title=Marcus Nispel {{!}} THE ASYLUM, TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE, FRIDAY THE 13TH|last=Pollard|first=Andrew|work=]|access-date=February 24, 2016|archive-date=April 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180405011723/https://www.starburstmagazine.com/features/marcus-nispel-the-asylum-texas-chainsaw-massacre-friday-the-13th|url-status=dead}}</ref>


Screenwriter ] later signed on to write the screenplay for the remake.<ref>{{cite web |last=Harris |first=Dana |date=June 18, 2002 |title=Horror redo 'Chainsaw' catches Biel, Balfour |url=https://variety.com/2002/film/markets-festivals/horror-redo-chainsaw-catches-biel-balfour-1117868720/ |access-date=February 24, 2016 |work=]}}</ref> Like the original 1974 film, this version was loosely inspired by the real-life crimes of ] serial killer ], whose gruesome acts also inspired the novels ] and ], both of which were later adapted into films.<ref>{{cite web |author=Rachael Bell and Marilyn Bardsley |title=Ed Gein: The Inspiration for Buffalo Bill and Psycho |url=http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/serial_killers/notorious/gein/bill_1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090209052429/http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/serial_killers/notorious/gein/bill_1.html |archive-date=February 9, 2009 |access-date=August 3, 2009 |work=] |df=mdy-all}}</ref> It was later announced that ] signed on as the film's screenwriter.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2002/film/markets-festivals/horror-redo-chainsaw-catches-biel-balfour-1117868720/|title=Horror redo 'Chainsaw' catches Biel, Balfour|last=Harris|first=Dana|work=]|date=June 18, 2002|access-date=February 24, 2016}}</ref>
As in the original 1974 version, it is loosely inspired by the real-life crimes of ] serial killer ]. Gein's crimes had also inspired novels such as '']'' and '']'', both of which were later adapted into subsequent films.<ref>{{cite web | author=Rachael Bell and Marilyn Bardsley | title=Ed Gein: The Inspiration for Buffalo Bill and Psycho | work=] | url=http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/serial_killers/notorious/gein/bill_1.html | access-date=August 3, 2009 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090209052429/http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/serial_killers/notorious/gein/bill_1.html | archive-date=February 9, 2009 | df=mdy-all }}</ref>


===Writing=== ===Writing===
The screenplay of the film was written by Scott Kosar, who would later write the screenplays for '']'' and Platinum Dunes' ].<ref>{{cite web |author=Holden, Stephen |date=October 22, 2004 |title=Insomnia and Then Emaciation; Now Paranoia Takes Its Turn |url=https://movies.nytimes.com/2004/10/22/movies/22mach.html?_r=1 |access-date=July 30, 2018 |work=The New York Times}}</ref><ref name="kosarinterview">{{cite web |last1=Condit |first1=Jon |date=April 13, 2005 |title=Kosar, Scott (The Amityville Horror) |url=http://www.dreadcentral.com/news/3309/kosar-scott-the-amityville-horror/ |access-date=August 16, 2016 |work=Dread Central}}</ref> This project marked Kosar's first professional job as a screenwriter, and he later recalled feeling both thrilled and honored to have the opportunity to write the script for the remake. Recognizing early on that he was working with "one of the seminal works of the genre," Kosar understood that it would be impossible to surpass the original film. In discussions with the film's producers, Kosar expressed the view that the new version shouldn't attempt to compete with the original, as it had been made under entirely different circumstances. The screenplay was written by Scott Kosar, who went on to write the screenplays for '']''<ref>{{cite web|author=Holden, Stephen|url=https://movies.nytimes.com/2004/10/22/movies/22mach.html?_r=1|title=Insomnia and Then Emaciation; Now Paranoia Takes Its Turn|work= The New York Times|date= October 22, 2004|access-date=July 30, 2018}}</ref> and Platinum Dunes' ].<ref name="kosarinterview">{{cite web|last1=Condit|first1=Jon|title=Kosar, Scott (The Amityville Horror)|url=http://www.dreadcentral.com/news/3309/kosar-scott-the-amityville-horror/|work=Dread Central|date=April 13, 2005 |access-date= August 16, 2016}}</ref>
The film was Kosar's first professional job as a screenwriter and later recalled feeling both thrilled and honored at the prospect of writing the screenplay for the remake. Kosar also realized early on that he was dealing with "one of the seminal works of the genre" and one that could not be bettered. When discussing with the film's producers, Kosar felt that the new film shouldn't try to compete with the original film, as he felt that it was made under different circumstances.

In earlier drafts of the script, the main character, Erin, was revealed to be nine months pregnant throughout the events of the film. However, this plot point was ultimately removed from later drafts at the insistence of producer Michael Bay.<ref name="nispelinterview">{{cite web |author=''Ain't It Cool News'' Staff |title=Mr. Beaks Interviews Marcus Nispel, TEXAS CHAINSAW Remake Director!! |url=http://www.aintitcool.com/node/16298 |access-date=August 11, 2016 |work=Ain't It Cool NEws}}</ref> In earlier drafts Erin, the film's main character, was revealed to be nine months pregnant throughout the film but was removed from later drafts at producer Michael Bay's insistence.<ref name="nispelinterview">{{cite web|title=Mr. Beaks Interviews Marcus Nispel, TEXAS CHAINSAW Remake Director!!|url=http://www.aintitcool.com/node/16298|work=Ain't It Cool NEws|author=''Ain't It Cool News'' Staff|access-date=August 11, 2016}}</ref>


===Casting=== ===Casting===
], known for her role in the television series ], was cast as the lead character, Erin.<ref name="Mania.com" /> ], who previously starred in the television series '']'', was cast as the main character Erin.<ref name="Mania.com"/>


For the role of Leatherface, ], who had previously worked with producer Michael Bay on ] (2001) and remained friends with him, personally approached Bay to express his interest in the part. Initially, another actor, Brett Wagner, was cast in the role. However, Wagner was hospitalized on the first day of filming and was subsequently fired for misrepresenting his physical abilities. With the role of Leatherface suddenly vacant, the filmmakers contacted Bryniarski to offer him the part, which he gladly accepted. In preparation for the role, Bryniarski followed a diet of brisket and white bread, bringing his weight to nearly 300 pounds. Bryniarski would later reprise his role as Leatherface in the film's ].<ref name="Interview with Andrew Bryniarski">{{cite web |title=Interview with Andrew Bryniarski |url=http://www.texaschainsawmassacre.net/Interviews/ABryniarski/interview.htm |access-date=July 29, 2014 |website=texaschainsawmassacre.net}}</ref> Actor ], who starred in Bay's '']'' and stayed friends with him afterwards, personally met with producer Bay and asked him for the role of Leatherface. Another actor, named Brett Wagner, was cast for the role before Bryniarski, but, on the first day, the actor was hospitalized and fired for lying about his physical abilities. Without an actor for the film's main antagonist, the filmmakers called and asked if Bryniarski still wanted the role, which he accepted. To prepare for the role, Bryniarski ate a diet of brisket and white bread in order to get his weight to nearly 300 pounds. Bryniarski would later reprise his role as Leatherface in the film's ].<ref name="Interview with Andrew Bryniarski">{{cite web|title=Interview with Andrew Bryniarski|url=http://www.texaschainsawmassacre.net/Interviews/ABryniarski/interview.htm|website=texaschainsawmassacre.net|access-date=July 29, 2014}}</ref>


===Filming=== ===Filming===
Director ] initially preferred shooting ''The Texas Chainsaw Massacre'' remake in ], but producer Michael Bay suggested ] as the filming location, having previously shot there three times.<ref>{{cite web |last=Harris |first=Dana |date=May 7, 2002 |title=Nispel to direct remake of 'Chainsaw Massacre' |url=https://variety.com/2002/film/news/nispel-to-direct-remake-of-chainsaw-massacre-1117866593/ |access-date=February 24, 2016 |work=]}}</ref> Principal photography commenced in ], Texas, in July 2002 and lasted for 40 days.<ref name="ign-bay">{{cite web |last=Head |first=Steve |date=October 14, 2003 |title=An Interview with Michael Bay |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/10/16/an-interview-with-michael-bay?page=3 |access-date=February 2, 2016 |work=]}}</ref> Nispel aimed to differentiate the remake from the original by employing more traditional narrative techniques, as he did not want to create a shot-for-shot replication of the original's documentary-like style.<ref>{{cite web |last=Patrizio |first=Andy |date=March 25, 2004 |title=An Interview with Marcus Nispel |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/03/25/an-interview-with-marcus-nispel?page=2 |access-date=February 24, 2016 |work=]}}</ref> Cinematographer Daniel Pearl, who also worked on the original 1974 film, explained during an on-set interview: "People ask me, 'Is it going to be as gritty and grainy as the last one I did?' No. I did that. There's no point in making the exact same film with the exact same look."<ref>{{cite news |author=O'Connell, Joe |date=September 6, 2002 |title='Chainsaw' production revving up |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/22361408/austin_americanstatesman/ |work=Austin American-Statesman |location=Austin, Texas |pages=E3, E5 |via=Newspapers.com}} {{open access}}</ref> Nispel favored shooting the film in ], but Bay suggested ], where he had previously shot three times.<ref name=ign-bay>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/10/16/an-interview-with-michael-bay?page=3|title=An Interview with Michael Bay|last=Head|first=Steve|work=]|date=October 14, 2003|access-date=February 2, 2016}}</ref> ] began in ] in July 2002<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2002/film/news/nispel-to-direct-remake-of-chainsaw-massacre-1117866593/|title=Nispel to direct remake of 'Chainsaw Massacre'|last=Harris|first=Dana|work=]|date=May 7, 2002|access-date=February 24, 2016}}</ref> and lasted 40 days.<ref name=ign-bay/> Nispel intentionally shot the film in a different style, using more traditionally narrative elements, as he did not want to make a shot-for-shot remake replicating the original film's documentary-like style.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/03/25/an-interview-with-marcus-nispel?page=2|title=An Interview with Marcus Nispel|last=Patrizio|first=Andy|work=]|date=March 25, 2004|access-date=February 24, 2016}}</ref> Cinematographer Pearl explained from an on-set interview: "People ask me, 'Is it going to be as gritty and grainy as the last one I did?' No. I did that. There's no point in making the exact same film with the exact same look."<ref>{{cite news|work=Austin American-Statesman|date=September 6, 2002|title='Chainsaw' production revving up|pages=E3, E5|author=O'Connell, Joe|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/22361408/austin_americanstatesman/|location=Austin, Texas|via=Newspapers.com}} {{open access}}</ref>


The remake features nods to the original film, including the return of ] as the narrator.{{sfn|Elliott-Smith|2016|p=181}} The remake includes references to the previous film, including ], who returns in his role as the film's narrator.{{sfn|Elliott-Smith|2016|p=181}}


The weather during filming was notably hot and humid, which posed challenges for the cast and crew. Andrew Bryniarski, who portrayed Leatherface, performed all of his own stunts while wearing a "fat suit" that increased his weight from nearly 300 lbs to 420 lbs. The suit heated up quickly, requiring Bryniarski to stay hydrated throughout filming. The Leatherface mask, made from ], also proved difficult to breathe through. Multiple prop chainsaws were used for Bryniarski, including ones that emitted smoke and others that were live chainsaws.<ref name="Interview with Andrew Bryniarski" /> The weather during filming was very hot and humid. Bryniarski, who portrays Leatherface in the film, did all his own stunts and was forced to wear a "fat suit", which increased his near-300 lbs to 420 lbs. The suit also heated up quickly, so the actor had to ensure that he drank a lot of fluids before a shoot. Leatherface's mask was also a problem; the mask was made out of ] and was difficult for the actor to breathe through. The crew had many prop chainsaws for actor Bryniarski to use, such as chainsaws that put out smoke, and live chainsaws.<ref name="Interview with Andrew Bryniarski"/>


==Soundtrack== ==Soundtrack==
{{more citations needed section|date=April 2016}}

There were two ] released by Bulletproof Records/La-La Land Records for the film; the first was meant for regular audiences featuring popular ] music and was released on November 4, 2003.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003) |url=http://www.soundtrackinfo.com/title/tracks.asp?texaschainsawmassacre |access-date=July 1, 2010 |work=The Soundtrack Info Project}}</ref> There were two ] released by Bulletproof Records/La-La Land Records for the film; the first was meant for regular audiences featuring popular ] music and was released on November 4, 2003.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003) |url=http://www.soundtrackinfo.com/title/tracks.asp?texaschainsawmassacre |access-date=July 1, 2010 |work=The Soundtrack Info Project}}</ref>


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===Box office=== ===Box office===
] at the film's premiere, October 15, 2003]] ] at the film's premiere, October 15, 2003]]
''The Texas Chainsaw Massacre'' was released in North America on October 17, 2003, across 3,016 theaters.<ref name="odessa">{{cite news |date=October 20, 2003 |title='Texas Chainsaw Massacre' gets a $29.1 million slice of box office |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/22361465/the_odessa_american/ |work=The Odessa American |publisher=Associated Press |location=Odessa, Texas |page=4C |via=Newspapers.com}} {{open access}}</ref> The film grossed $10.6 million on its opening day and went on to conclude its debut weekend with a total of $29.1 million, ranking number one at the U.S. box office.<ref name="odessa" /> Seventeen days after its release, the film had grossed over $66 million in the United States alone.<ref>{{cite news |author=O'Connell, Joe |date=November 7, 2003 |title=A sequel for 'Chainsaw' remake? |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/22361500/austin_americanstatesman/ |work=Austin American-Statesman |location=Austin, Texas |page=E7 |via=Newspapers.com}} {{open access}}</ref> ''The Texas Chainsaw Massacre'' was released in North America on October 17, 2003, in 3,016 theaters.<ref name=odessa/> It grossed $10,620,000 on its opening day and concluded its opening weekend with $29.1 million, debuting at number 1 at the U.S. box office.<ref name=odessa>{{cite news|work=The Odessa American|location=Odessa, Texas|title='Texas Chainsaw Massacre' gets a $29.1 million slice of box office|publisher=Associated Press|page=4C|date=October 20, 2003|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/22361465/the_odessa_american/|via=Newspapers.com}} {{open access}}</ref> Within 17 days of its release, the film had grossed over $66 million in the US.<ref>{{cite news|date=November 7, 2003|work=Austin American-Statesman|page=E7|author=O'Connell, Joe|title=A sequel for 'Chainsaw' remake?|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/22361500/austin_americanstatesman/|via=Newspapers.com|location=Austin, Texas}} {{open access}}</ref>


Internationally, the film opened in various countries in the subsequent months, including a Halloween release in the United Kingdom, and earned an additional $26.5 million.<ref name="bbc">{{cite web |author=Russell, Jamie |date=October 31, 2003 |title=The Texas Chainsaw Massacre |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2003/10/27/texas_chainsaw_massacre_2003_review.shtml |access-date=July 30, 2018 |work=BBC Films}}</ref> With a North American gross of $80.6 million, ''The Texas Chainsaw Massacre'' achieved a worldwide total of $107 million.<ref name="BMojo" /> Made on a budget of $9.5 million, the film became the highest-grossing entry in the ''Texas Chainsaw Massacre'' franchise, even when adjusted for inflation. As of 2018, the film's inflation-adjusted gross would have exceeded $162 million.<ref name="BMojo" /> The film opened in various other countries in the following months (including a Halloween release in the United Kingdom)<ref name=bbc>{{cite web|work=BBC Films|title=The Texas Chainsaw Massacre|author=Russell, Jamie|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2003/10/27/texas_chainsaw_massacre_2003_review.shtml|access-date=July 30, 2018|date=October 31, 2003}}</ref> and grossed $26.5 million, while the North American gross stands at $80.6 million, bringing the worldwide gross to $107 million.<ref name=BMojo/> The film's budget was $9.5 million, making it the highest-grossing film of the franchise even when adjusted for inflation. Adjusted for inflation as of 2018 the film would have grossed over $162 million.<ref name=BMojo/>


===Critical response=== ===Critical response===
⚫ Review aggregator ] shows an approval rating of 37% based on 159 reviews; the average rating is 4.9/10. The site's critic's consensus states: "An unnecessary remake that's more gory and less scary than the original."<ref name="Rotten Tomatoes">{{cite web | title= The Texas Chainsaw Massacre | work=] | url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/texas_chainsaw_massacre/| access-date=July 26, 2023}}</ref> ], another review aggregator, calculates an average score of 38, indicating "generally unfavorable reviews".<ref>{{cite web|title=The Texas Chainsaw Massacre|url=http://www.metacritic.com/movie/the-texas-chainsaw-massacre|website=Metacritic.com|publisher=Metacritic|access-date=December 30, 2014}}</ref> Audiences polled by ] gave the film an average grade of "B+" on an A+ to F scale.<ref name="CinemaScore">{{cite web |url=https://m.cinemascore.com |title=CinemaScore |work=cinemascore.com}}</ref>
''The Texas Chainsaw Massacre'' received negative reviews from critics, who criticized its pacing, writing, and lack of character development.

⚫ Review aggregator ] gives ''The Texas Chainsaw Massacre'' a 37% approval rating based on 159 reviews, with an average rating of 4.9/10. The site's consensus reads: "An unnecessary remake that's more gory and less scary than the original."<ref name="Rotten Tomatoes">{{cite web |title=The Texas Chainsaw Massacre |url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/texas_chainsaw_massacre/ |access-date=July 26, 2023 |work=]}}</ref> On ], the film holds a score of 38 out of 100, indicating "generally unfavorable reviews."<ref>{{cite web |title=The Texas Chainsaw Massacre |url=http://www.metacritic.com/movie/the-texas-chainsaw-massacre |access-date=December 30, 2014 |website=Metacritic.com |publisher=Metacritic}}</ref> However, audiences polled by ] gave the film a relatively favorable grade of "B+" on an A+ to F scale.<ref name="CinemaScore">{{cite web |title=CinemaScore |url=https://m.cinemascore.com |work=cinemascore.com}}</ref>


Critics were divided on the film. ] of the ] praised the film's polished cinematography by Daniel Pearl, while noting: "The remake moves faster and sounds louder, but comes off as callous rather than creepy."<ref>{{cite news |author=Dargis, Manohla |author-link=Manohla Dargis |date=October 17, 2003 |title='Massacre': gory with little story |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/22361545/the_los_angeles_times/ |work=Los Angeles Times |page=E6 |via=Newspapers.com}} {{open access}}</ref> Robert K. Elder of the ] gave the film 3 out of 4 stars, calling it "an effectively scary slasher film" despite its absurd premise.<ref>{{cite news |last=Elder |first=Robert K. |date=October 17, 2003 |title='Texas Chainsaw Massacre' is one sharp horror remake |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2003/10/17/texas-chainsaw-massacre-is-one-sharp-horror-remake/ |access-date=February 24, 2016 |work=]}}</ref> William Thomas of '']'' rated it 3 stars out of 5, writing, "You'll have to overcome resentment towards this unnecessary remake before you can be properly terrorized, but on its own terms, it plays well."<ref>{{cite web |last=Thomas |first=William |date=October 28, 2015 |title=The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Review |url=http://www.empireonline.com/movies/texas-chainsaw-massacre-3/review/ |access-date=February 24, 2016 |work=]}}</ref> ] of the '']'' praised the polish of Pearl's cinematography (in contrast to his grittier work in the original), though noted: "The remake moves faster and sounds louder, but comes off as callous rather than creepy."<ref>{{cite news|work=Los Angeles Times|author=Dargis, Manohla|author-link=Manohla Dargis|date=October 17, 2003|title='Massacre': gory with little story|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/22361545/the_los_angeles_times/|via=Newspapers.com|page=E6}} {{open access}}</ref> Robert K. Elder of the '']'' gave it three out of four stars and called it "an effectively scary slasher film" despite its absurd premise.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2003/10/17/texas-chainsaw-massacre-is-one-sharp-horror-remake/|title='Texas Chainsaw Massacre' is one sharp horror remake|last=Elder|first=Robert K.|work=]|date=October 17, 2003|access-date=February 24, 2016}}</ref> William Thomas of '']'' rated it three stars out of five and wrote: "You'll have to overcome resentment towards this unnecessary remake before you can be properly terrorised but, on its own terms, it plays well."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.empireonline.com/movies/texas-chainsaw-massacre-3/review/|title=The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Review|last=Thomas|first=William|work=]|date=October 28, 2015|access-date=February 24, 2016}}</ref> ] gave the film a rare zero stars out of four, calling it "A contemptible film: Vile, ugly and brutal. There is not a shred of reason to see it. Those who defend it will have to dance through mental hoops of their own devising, defining its meanness and despair as 'style' or 'vision' or 'a commentary on our world'."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-texas-chainsaw-massacre-2003 | author=Ebert, Roger|author-link=Roger Ebert | title=The Texas Chainsaw Massacre | access-date=July 12, 2014 | date=October 17, 2003}} {{Rating|0|4}}</ref> '']'' gave the film an unfavorable review, writing that the film was an "initially promising, but quickly disappointing retread of a hugely influential horror classic".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Foundas|first1=Scott|title=Review: 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre'|url=https://variety.com/2003/film/reviews/the-texas-chainsaw-massacre-1200538555/|work=Variety|date=October 17, 2003 |access-date= December 30, 2014}}</ref>


However, others were more critical. ] gave the film 0 stars out of 4, calling it "a contemptible film: Vile, ugly and brutal. There is not a shred of reason to see it."<ref>{{cite web |author=Ebert, Roger |author-link=Roger Ebert |date=October 17, 2003 |title=The Texas Chainsaw Massacre |url=http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-texas-chainsaw-massacre-2003 |access-date=July 12, 2014}} {{Rating|0|4}}</ref> '']'' described the film as an "initially promising, but quickly disappointing retread of a hugely influential horror classic."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Foundas |first1=Scott |date=October 17, 2003 |title=Review: 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' |url=https://variety.com/2003/film/reviews/the-texas-chainsaw-massacre-1200538555/ |access-date=December 30, 2014 |work=Variety}}</ref> Similarly, ] of ] gave the film 2 stars out of 4, criticizing the film for being "soulless" and stating that while the director Marcus Nispel had a "sharp eye," the film lacked the raw intensity of the original.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Travers |first1=Peter |author-link=Peter Travers |date=October 17, 2003 |title=Texas Chainsaw Massacre |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/reviews/texas-chainsaw-massacre-20031017 |access-date=December 30, 2014 |magazine=Rolling Stone}}</ref> Dave Kehr of ] echoed these sentiments, calling it a "bilious film" offering "only entrapment and despair."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kehr |first1=Dave |date=October 17, 2003 |title=Another Long March to the Slaughterhouse |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/10/17/movies/17TEXA.html |access-date=December 30, 2014 |work=]}}</ref> ] of '']'' awarded the film two stars out of four, writing: "Director Marcus Nispel, acclaimed for his ads and music videos, has a sharp eye and the good sense to hire Daniel Pearl, who shot the first ''Chainsaw''. But all the bad-rehash mojo from '']'' to '']'' has infected Scott Kosar's script. Hooper went for primitive, Nispel goes for slick. Hooper went easy on the gore, Nispel pours it on" and called the film "soulless".<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Travers|first1=Peter|author-link=Peter Travers|title=Texas Chainsaw Massacre|date=October 17, 2003|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/reviews/texas-chainsaw-massacre-20031017|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=December 30, 2014}}</ref> Dave Kehr from '']'' gave the film an unfavorable review, noting: "Rather than exhilaration, this bilious film offers only entrapment and despair," further commenting that the film was about as much fun as sitting in on an autopsy.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Kehr|first1=Dave|title=Another Long March to the Slaughterhouse|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/10/17/movies/17TEXA.html|work=]|access-date=December 30, 2014|date=October 17, 2003}}</ref> ] awarded the film 1.5 stars out of four, complimenting the film's intensity but criticized the lack of likable characters and the lack of humor which was present in the original, stating, "Once it kicks into gear, it's brutally unrelenting toward its unappealing characters and the audience."{{sfn|Maltin|2013|p=1397}}


On ]' '']'', Australian critic ] revealed that this was the first film she walked out of, after just half an hour, refusing to rate it.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 30, 2003 |title=The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: Review |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/movies/video/11676739875/The-Texas-Chainsaw-Massacre-Review |access-date=2021-03-30 |website=SBS Movies |language=en}}</ref> Fellow host ] gave it 1 star, with Pomeranz stating, "I choose to embrace movies, but certain genres, like this one, are not to my taste."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-01-22 |title=Margaret Pomeranz reveals worst movie she's ever seen |url=https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/movies/movie-reviews/celebrated-film-critic-margaret-pomeranz-reveals-worst-movie-shes-ever-seen/news-story/dc7260759bdcfa68299199e5948b7d9a |access-date=2021-03-30 |website=NewsComAu |language=en}}</ref> On ]' '']'', Australian critic ] said this was the first film she has walked out of (giving it half an hour) and declined it a rating while fellow host ] rated it one star.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: Review|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/movies/video/11676739875/The-Texas-Chainsaw-Massacre-Review|access-date=2021-03-30|website=SBS Movies|date=November 30, 2003 |language=en}}</ref> "I was in a cinema and there was about 10 single men sitting around, and I just thought, I don't have to see this", she says. "So yes, I did walk out. I choose to embrace movies, but there is a lot of average movies out there. You just have to try and look at the good things in them. Certain genres are not to my taste — prison dramas, man's cruelty to other men or women … I used to embrace violence in cinema in a lot of ways, but I'm reacting against that."<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-01-22|title=Margaret Pomeranz reveals worst movie she's ever seen|url=https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/movies/movie-reviews/celebrated-film-critic-margaret-pomeranz-reveals-worst-movie-shes-ever-seen/news-story/dc7260759bdcfa68299199e5948b7d9a|access-date=2021-03-30|website=NewsComAu|language=en}}</ref>


In contrast, Jamie Russell of the '']'' offered some praise, calling the film "a gory, stylish, and occasionally scary push-button factory of shocks and shrieks" but questioned why the filmmakers didn’t create an original script or sequel rather than a remake.<ref name="bbc" /> ] of ] gave the film two stars out of five, describing it as a "bullish revival" and noting its unsubtle nature but acknowledging the grotesque atmosphere.<ref>{{cite news |author=Bradshaw, Peter |author-link=Peter Bradshaw |date=October 31, 2003 |title=The Texas Chainsaw Massacre |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/22361656/the_guardian/ |work=] |location=London |page=18 |via=Newspapers.com}} {{open access}}</ref> The ]'s Jamie Russell gave the film some praise, referring to it as "a gory, stylish, and occasionally scary push-button factory of shocks and shrieks remarkably better than anyone had the right to expect." but goes on to lament, "if the filmmakers could churn out something this decent, why didn't they shoot an original script, or even a sequel to Hooper's 1974 classic instead of a remake?"<ref name="bbc" /> '']''{{'}}s ] awarded the film two stars out of five, referring to it as a "bullish revival" of the original, adding: "The movie finds tastily grotesque ] locals to freak out our poor heroes and heroines. Everything is as unsubtle as you like, and let's face it, unsubtlety is the order of the day."<ref>{{cite news|work=]|location=London|title=The Texas Chainsaw Massacre|author=Bradshaw, Peter|author-link=Peter Bradshaw|date=October 31, 2003|via=Newspapers.com|page=18|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/22361656/the_guardian/}} {{open access}}</ref>


=== Home media === === Home media ===
{{Anchor|DVD|Video}}
''The Texas Chainsaw Massacre'' was released on VHS and DVD on March 30, 2004, by ].<ref>{{cite web |title=The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003) |url=http://www.ign.com/movies/the-texas-chainsaw-massacre-2003/dvd-621033 |access-date=February 25, 2016 |work=]}}</ref> The standard edition included special features such as seven TV spots, a soundtrack promo, trailers, and a music video for "Suffocate" by ]. On the same day, a two-disc ] Edition was released, featuring a collectible metal plaque cover and an array of additional content. This edition included three filmmaker commentaries (with producer Michael Bay, director Marcus Nispel, and others), crime scene photo cards, ]s, an alternate opening and ending, and documentaries such as ''Chainsaw Redux: In-Depth'' and ''Gein: The Ghoul of Plainfield''. Other features included cast screen tests, an art gallery, the "]" music video, a soundtrack promo, and DVD-ROM content, including a script-to-screen feature.
The film was released on VHS and DVD March 30, 2004, through ].<ref>{{cite web |title=The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003) |url=http://www.ign.com/movies/the-texas-chainsaw-massacre-2003/dvd-621033 |access-date=February 25, 2016 |work=]}}</ref> Special features include seven TV spots, a soundtrack promo and trailers and a music video for ''Suffocate'' by ].
A two-disc ] Edition was also released that same day, containing a collectible metal plaque cover, three filmmaker commentaries with producer Michael Bay, director Marcus Nispel and others, crime city photo cards, ]s, an alternate opening and ending, ''Chainsaw Redux: In-Depth'' documentary, ''Gein: The Ghoul of Planifield'' documentary, cast screen tests, art gallery, seven TV spots and trailers, ] song '']'' by "]" Music Video, a soundtrack promo and DVD-ROM content, including script-to-screen


A UMD version of the film was released on October 4, 2005, followed by its Blu-ray release on September 29, 2009.<ref>{{cite web |date=8 August 2012 |title=The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003) UMD VIDEO |url=http://psp.ign.com/objects/759/759988.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060807000610/http://psp.ign.com/objects/759/759988.html |archive-date=7 August 2006 |access-date=24 June 2022 |publisher=psp.ign.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Keefer |first=Ryan |date=October 18, 2009 |title=The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (Blu-ray) |url=http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/38377/texas-chainsaw-massacre-the/ |access-date=February 25, 2016 |work=]}}</ref> A UMD version of the film was released on October 4, 2005.<ref>{{cite web |date=8 August 2012 |title=The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003) UMD VIDEO |url=http://psp.ign.com/objects/759/759988.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060807000610/http://psp.ign.com/objects/759/759988.html |archive-date=7 August 2006 |access-date=24 June 2022 |publisher=psp.ign.com}}</ref> and on ] on September 29, 2009.<ref>{{cite web |last=Keefer |first=Ryan |date=October 18, 2009 |title=The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (Blu-ray) |url=http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/38377/texas-chainsaw-massacre-the/ |access-date=February 25, 2016 |work=]}}</ref>


===Novelization=== ===Novelization===
Stephen Hand authored a ] of ''The Texas Chainsaw Massacre'', which was published on March 1, 2004, by ].<ref name="Hand2004">{{cite book |author=Hand, Stephen |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-8EKAAAACAAJ |title=The Texas Chainsaw Massacre |publisher=BL Publishing |year=2004 |isbn=978-1-84416-060-0}}</ref> Hand had previously written the novelization for ], also for New Line and Black Flame.<ref name="freddyvsjasonbook">{{cite book |last1=Hand |first1=Stephen |title=Freddy vs. Jason (New Line Cinema): Stephen Hand: 9781844160594: Amazon.com: Books |last2=Shannon |first2=Damian |last3=Swift |first3=Mark J. |publisher=Black Flame |year=2003 |isbn=1844160599}}</ref> Stephen Hand wrote a ] that was published March 1, 2004, by ].<ref name="Hand2004">{{cite book |author=Hand, Stephen |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-8EKAAAACAAJ |title=The Texas Chainsaw Massacre |publisher=BL Publishing |year=2004 |isbn=978-1-84416-060-0}}</ref> Hand previously wrote the novelization for '']'', also for New Line and Black Flame.<ref name="freddyvsjasonbook">{{cite book |last1=Hand |first1=Stephen |title=Freddy vs. Jason (New Line Cinema): Stephen Hand: 9781844160594: Amazon.com: Books |last2=Shannon |first2=Damian |last3=Swift |first3=Mark J. |publisher=Black Flame |year=2003 |isbn=1844160599}}</ref>


== Prequel and legacy == == Prequel and legacy ==
A prequel to the film, titled ], was released on October 6, 2006. Set four years prior to the events of the 2003 remake, the film explores the origins of Leatherface and his family's murderous tendencies. A prequel to the film, titled '']'', was released on October 6, 2006. The film takes place four years before the events of the remake.


The financial success of the film spurred a wave of horror film remakes throughout the 2000s and 2010s. Influenced by its success, numerous franchises revisited their original films, including '']'', '']'', '']'', ''],'' '']'', '']'', ''],'' and '']''. These remakes, however, were generally met with mixed to negative reviews and have been heavily criticized by both audiences and critics for being unnecessary additions to their respective franchises.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kondrak |first=Greg |date=2020-08-04 |title=10 Of The Worst Horror Movie Remakes, According To IMDb |url=https://screenrant.com/worst-horror-movie-remakes-imdb/ |access-date=2022-10-15 |website=ScreenRant |language=en-US}}</ref> Due to the film's financial success, it influenced a plethora of horror movie franchises to remake their original films across the span of the 2000s and 2010s. Notable examples include '']'', '']'', '']'', ''],'' '']'', '']'', ''],'' and ''].'' These were met with mixed to negative reviews and have been heavily criticized by audiences and critics alike for being unnecessary additions to their franchises.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kondrak |first=Greg |date=2020-08-04 |title=10 Of The Worst Horror Movie Remakes, According To IMDb |url=https://screenrant.com/worst-horror-movie-remakes-imdb/ |access-date=2022-10-15 |website=ScreenRant |language=en-US}}</ref>


==Notes== ==Notes==

Revision as of 10:01, 26 September 2024

2003 slasher film directed by Marcus Nispel

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
Theatrical release poster
Directed byMarcus Nispel
Screenplay byScott Kosar
Based onThe Texas Chain Saw Massacre
by Kim Henkel
and Tobe Hooper
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyDaniel Pearl
Edited byGlen Scantlebury
Music bySteve Jablonsky
Production
companies
Distributed by
Release date
  • October 17, 2003 (2003-10-17)
Running time98 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$9.5 million
Box office$107.4 million

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is a 2003 American slasher film directed by Marcus Nispel (in his feature directorial debut), written by Scott Kosar, and starring Jessica Biel, Jonathan Tucker, Erica Leerhsen, Mike Vogel, Eric Balfour, and R. Lee Ermey. Its plot follows a group of young adults traveling through rural Texas who encounter Leatherface and his murderous family. It is a remake of Tobe Hooper's 1974 film The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, and the fifth installment in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise. Several crew members of the original film were involved with the project: Hooper and writer Kim Henkel served as co-producers, Daniel Pearl returned as cinematographer, and John Larroquette reprised his voice narration for the opening intertitles.

The film was released in the United States on October 17, 2003, received mostly negative reviews from critics, and grossed $107 million at the box office on a budget of $9.5 million. A prequel was released in 2006, titled The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre was the first film to be produced by Platinum Dunes, who would go on to produce remakes of several other 20th-century horror films.

Plot

On August 18, 1973, five young adults – Erin, her boyfriend Kemper, Erin’s brother Morgan, and hitchhikers, Andy and Pepper – are traveling to a concert after visiting Mexico to purchase marijuana. While driving through Texas, they pick up a traumatized hitchhiker walking in the middle of the road. They try to talk with her, who speaks incoherently about "a bad man", pulls out a revolver and shoots herself in the mouth.

The group goes to a nearby gas station to contact the police, where a woman, Luda Mae, tells them to meet Sheriff Hoyt at the mill. Instead, they find Jedidiah, a young boy who says Hoyt is at home getting drunk. Erin and Kemper go through the woods to find his house, leaving Morgan, Andy, and Pepper at the mill with Jedidiah. They come across a plantation house, and Erin is allowed inside by Monty, an amputee, to call for help. Kemper goes inside to look for Erin, and is hit in the head with a sledgehammer by Thomas "Leatherface" Hewitt, who drags him into the basement. There, he butchers Kemper and finds the ring the latter intended to propose to Erin with.

Meanwhile, Hoyt arrives at the mill and disposes of the hitchhiker's body. After Erin discovers that Kemper is missing, she and Andy return to Monty's house. There, Erin distracts Monty, while Andy searches for Kemper. After realizing that Andy is inside, Monty summons Leatherface who with a chainsaw, attacks Andy, who tells Erin to save herself. Erin escapes to the woods, while Leatherface catches up to Andy and saws off the latter's left leg. After carrying the horrified Andy to the basement, Leatherface impales him on a meat hook and tortures him further by rubbing salt on his stump of a leg. Erin returns to the mill, but before she and the others can leave, Hoyt arrives. After finding marijuana on the dashboard, Hoyt orders Erin and Pepper to get out of the van, gives Morgan the gun he took from the hitchhiker, and tells him to reenact how she killed herself. Morgan attempts to shoot Hoyt, but the gun is unloaded. Hoyt handcuffs Morgan and drives him back to the house, giving him a beating along the way.

Back at the house, Andy awakens after passing out from the pain and, in desperation, he tries to lift himself off the meat hook. However, Leatherface has booby trapped the chains holding it up causing Andy to impale himself further. Erin and Pepper are tracked down by Leatherface, now wearing Kemper's face as a mask. While attempting to run, Pepper is killed by Leatherface. Erin runs and hides in a nearby trailer belonging to the Tea Lady, a fat middle-aged woman, and Henrietta, a younger woman who gives her tea that has been drugged. Erin discovers that they have kidnapped the hitchhiker's baby, but passes out before she can escape. Erin wakes up at the house, surrounded by the Hewitt family: Leatherface, his mother Luda Mae, Hoyt, Monty, and Jedidiah. Leatherface was tormented his whole life because of a skin disease that left his face disfigured, and Luda Mae felt that no one cared for her family besides themselves.

In the basement, Erin finds the remains of Leatherface's victims and Andy, still hanging on the meat hook. After trying to help Andy, Erin puts him out of his misery when she cannot lift him off the hook. Afterwards, she finds Morgan handcuffed in a bathtub and wounded. Jedidiah, who disagrees with his family's actions, leads them out of the house and distracts Leatherface while they escape. Erin and Morgan find an abandoned shack in the woods, and barricade themselves inside. Leatherface breaks in and discovers Erin. Morgan attacks Leatherface, who hangs him from a chandelier by his handcuffs and kills him with the chainsaw. Erin escapes into the woods with Leatherface in tow. She finds a slaughterhouse and attacks Leatherface with a meat cleaver, severing his right arm.

Erin runs outside and flags down a trucker, whom she tries to convince to drive away from the house, but he stops to find help at the gas station. Erin sees Luda Mae & Hoyt talk to the trucker while Henrietta watches the baby. As Henrietta walks outside to give Luda Mae her raincoat, Erin sneaks the baby out of the eatery, and places her in the sheriff's car. Erin hot-wires the car and Hoyt tries to stop her, who runs him over repeatedly until he is dead. Leatherface then appears in the road and slashes the car with his chainsaw, but Erin escapes with the baby. Two days later, two officers investigating the house are killed by Leatherface, and the case remains open.

Cast

Production

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Development

On December 5, 2001, Creature Corner.com reported that Michael Bay's newly created company Platinum Dunes (which was created in order to produce low-budget films), had set its focus on remaking The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. Early announcements on the site indicated that the story would be told in flashback with actress Marilyn Burns, who starred in the original film, reprising her role as an aged Sally Hardesty recounting the events in the film. It was later announced that the filmmakers had already purchased the rights to the original film.

Early in the film's production the original filmmakers Tobe Hooper and Kim Henkel would be writing a script for the film, but it was unknown at the time whether or not their script would be used. In June 2002, it was announced that Marcus Nispel would direct the film in his directorial debut. Nispel said that he was initially against the idea of remaking the film, calling it "blasphemy" to his longtime director of photography, Daniel Pearl, who had shot the original film. Pearl, however, encouraged Nispel to join the project, as he wanted to bookend his career with Chainsaw films.

It was later announced that Scott Kosar signed on as the film's screenwriter. As in the original 1974 version, it is loosely inspired by the real-life crimes of Wisconsin serial killer Ed Gein. Gein's crimes had also inspired novels such as Psycho and The Silence of the Lambs, both of which were later adapted into subsequent films.

Writing

The screenplay was written by Scott Kosar, who went on to write the screenplays for The Machinist and Platinum Dunes' remake of The Amityville Horror. The film was Kosar's first professional job as a screenwriter and later recalled feeling both thrilled and honored at the prospect of writing the screenplay for the remake. Kosar also realized early on that he was dealing with "one of the seminal works of the genre" and one that could not be bettered. When discussing with the film's producers, Kosar felt that the new film shouldn't try to compete with the original film, as he felt that it was made under different circumstances. In earlier drafts Erin, the film's main character, was revealed to be nine months pregnant throughout the film but was removed from later drafts at producer Michael Bay's insistence.

Casting

Jessica Biel, who previously starred in the television series 7th Heaven, was cast as the main character Erin.

Actor Andrew Bryniarski, who starred in Bay's Pearl Harbor and stayed friends with him afterwards, personally met with producer Bay and asked him for the role of Leatherface. Another actor, named Brett Wagner, was cast for the role before Bryniarski, but, on the first day, the actor was hospitalized and fired for lying about his physical abilities. Without an actor for the film's main antagonist, the filmmakers called and asked if Bryniarski still wanted the role, which he accepted. To prepare for the role, Bryniarski ate a diet of brisket and white bread in order to get his weight to nearly 300 pounds. Bryniarski would later reprise his role as Leatherface in the film's prequel.

Filming

Nispel favored shooting the film in California, but Bay suggested Texas, where he had previously shot three times. Principal photography began in Austin in July 2002 and lasted 40 days. Nispel intentionally shot the film in a different style, using more traditionally narrative elements, as he did not want to make a shot-for-shot remake replicating the original film's documentary-like style. Cinematographer Pearl explained from an on-set interview: "People ask me, 'Is it going to be as gritty and grainy as the last one I did?' No. I did that. There's no point in making the exact same film with the exact same look."

The remake includes references to the previous film, including John Larroquette, who returns in his role as the film's narrator.

The weather during filming was very hot and humid. Bryniarski, who portrays Leatherface in the film, did all his own stunts and was forced to wear a "fat suit", which increased his near-300 lbs to 420 lbs. The suit also heated up quickly, so the actor had to ensure that he drank a lot of fluids before a shoot. Leatherface's mask was also a problem; the mask was made out of silicone and was difficult for the actor to breathe through. The crew had many prop chainsaws for actor Bryniarski to use, such as chainsaws that put out smoke, and live chainsaws.

Soundtrack

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There were two soundtrack albums released by Bulletproof Records/La-La Land Records for the film; the first was meant for regular audiences featuring popular metal music and was released on November 4, 2003.

The second was the film's original score as composed by Steve Jablonsky. This was released on October 21, 2003, and has a run time of 50:25.

Trailers and TV spots used a version of This Mortal Coil's cover of "Song to the Siren", which was just recorded for the trailer and was sung by the singer Renee of the band Moneypenny.

  1. "Immortally Insane" by Pantera
  2. "Below the Bottom" by Hatebreed
  3. "Pride" by SOiL
  4. "Deliver Me" by Static-X
  5. "43" by Mushroomhead
  6. "Pig" by Seether
  7. "Down In Flames" by Nothingface
  8. "Self-Medicate" by 40 Below Summer
  9. "Suffocate" by Motograter
  10. "Destroyer of Senses" by Shadows Fall
  11. "Rational Gaze" by Meshuggah
  12. "Archetype (Remix)" by Fear Factory
  13. "Enshrined by Grace" by Morbid Angel
  14. "Listen" by Index Case
  15. "Stay in Shadow" by Finger Eleven
  16. "Ruin" by Lamb of God
  17. "As Real As It Gets" by Sworn Enemy
  18. "Five Months" by Coretez

Release and reception

Box office

Actress Erica Leerhsen at the film's premiere, October 15, 2003

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre was released in North America on October 17, 2003, in 3,016 theaters. It grossed $10,620,000 on its opening day and concluded its opening weekend with $29.1 million, debuting at number 1 at the U.S. box office. Within 17 days of its release, the film had grossed over $66 million in the US.

The film opened in various other countries in the following months (including a Halloween release in the United Kingdom) and grossed $26.5 million, while the North American gross stands at $80.6 million, bringing the worldwide gross to $107 million. The film's budget was $9.5 million, making it the highest-grossing film of the franchise even when adjusted for inflation. Adjusted for inflation as of 2018 the film would have grossed over $162 million.

Critical response

Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes shows an approval rating of 37% based on 159 reviews; the average rating is 4.9/10. The site's critic's consensus states: "An unnecessary remake that's more gory and less scary than the original." Metacritic, another review aggregator, calculates an average score of 38, indicating "generally unfavorable reviews". Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "B+" on an A+ to F scale.

Manohla Dargis of the Los Angeles Times praised the polish of Pearl's cinematography (in contrast to his grittier work in the original), though noted: "The remake moves faster and sounds louder, but comes off as callous rather than creepy." Robert K. Elder of the Chicago Tribune gave it three out of four stars and called it "an effectively scary slasher film" despite its absurd premise. William Thomas of Empire rated it three stars out of five and wrote: "You'll have to overcome resentment towards this unnecessary remake before you can be properly terrorised but, on its own terms, it plays well." Roger Ebert gave the film a rare zero stars out of four, calling it "A contemptible film: Vile, ugly and brutal. There is not a shred of reason to see it. Those who defend it will have to dance through mental hoops of their own devising, defining its meanness and despair as 'style' or 'vision' or 'a commentary on our world'." Variety gave the film an unfavorable review, writing that the film was an "initially promising, but quickly disappointing retread of a hugely influential horror classic".

Peter Travers of Rolling Stone awarded the film two stars out of four, writing: "Director Marcus Nispel, acclaimed for his ads and music videos, has a sharp eye and the good sense to hire Daniel Pearl, who shot the first Chainsaw. But all the bad-rehash mojo from Friday the 13th to The Blair Witch Project has infected Scott Kosar's script. Hooper went for primitive, Nispel goes for slick. Hooper went easy on the gore, Nispel pours it on" and called the film "soulless". Dave Kehr from The New York Times gave the film an unfavorable review, noting: "Rather than exhilaration, this bilious film offers only entrapment and despair," further commenting that the film was about as much fun as sitting in on an autopsy. Leonard Maltin awarded the film 1.5 stars out of four, complimenting the film's intensity but criticized the lack of likable characters and the lack of humor which was present in the original, stating, "Once it kicks into gear, it's brutally unrelenting toward its unappealing characters and the audience."

On SBS' The Movie Show, Australian critic Margaret Pomeranz said this was the first film she has walked out of (giving it half an hour) and declined it a rating while fellow host David Statton rated it one star. "I was in a cinema and there was about 10 single men sitting around, and I just thought, I don't have to see this", she says. "So yes, I did walk out. I choose to embrace movies, but there is a lot of average movies out there. You just have to try and look at the good things in them. Certain genres are not to my taste — prison dramas, man's cruelty to other men or women … I used to embrace violence in cinema in a lot of ways, but I'm reacting against that."

The BBC's Jamie Russell gave the film some praise, referring to it as "a gory, stylish, and occasionally scary push-button factory of shocks and shrieks remarkably better than anyone had the right to expect." but goes on to lament, "if the filmmakers could churn out something this decent, why didn't they shoot an original script, or even a sequel to Hooper's 1974 classic instead of a remake?" The Guardian's Peter Bradshaw awarded the film two stars out of five, referring to it as a "bullish revival" of the original, adding: "The movie finds tastily grotesque Diane Arbus locals to freak out our poor heroes and heroines. Everything is as unsubtle as you like, and let's face it, unsubtlety is the order of the day."

Home media

The film was released on VHS and DVD March 30, 2004, through New Line Home Entertainment. Special features include seven TV spots, a soundtrack promo and trailers and a music video for Suffocate by Motograter. A two-disc Platinum Series Edition was also released that same day, containing a collectible metal plaque cover, three filmmaker commentaries with producer Michael Bay, director Marcus Nispel and others, crime city photo cards, deleted scenes, an alternate opening and ending, Chainsaw Redux: In-Depth documentary, Gein: The Ghoul of Planifield documentary, cast screen tests, art gallery, seven TV spots and trailers, heavy metal song Suffocate by "Motograter" Music Video, a soundtrack promo and DVD-ROM content, including script-to-screen

A UMD version of the film was released on October 4, 2005. and on Blu-ray on September 29, 2009.

Novelization

Stephen Hand wrote a novelization that was published March 1, 2004, by Black Flame. Hand previously wrote the novelization for Freddy vs. Jason, also for New Line and Black Flame.

Prequel and legacy

A prequel to the film, titled The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning, was released on October 6, 2006. The film takes place four years before the events of the remake.

Due to the film's financial success, it influenced a plethora of horror movie franchises to remake their original films across the span of the 2000s and 2010s. Notable examples include House of Wax, The Wicker Man, The Omen, Halloween, My Bloody Valentine 3D, Friday the 13th, A Nightmare on Elm Street, and Child's Play. These were met with mixed to negative reviews and have been heavily criticized by audiences and critics alike for being unnecessary additions to their franchises.

Notes

  1. International sales were originally going to be handled by Good Machine; however Focus Features took over after Good Machine was merged with it.

References

  1. ^ "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre". AFI Catalog of Feature Films. Retrieved July 30, 2018.
  2. Fleming, Michael (April 17, 2005). "Platinum rides 'Hitcher' redo". Variety. Retrieved October 8, 2021.
  3. Goodridge, Mike (February 27, 2004). "Bay's Platinum Dunes signs international agreement with Focus". Screen International. Retrieved December 8, 2021. Focus had previously handled Platinum Dunes' debut project The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, which grossed more than $100m worldwide.
  4. "THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE (18)". British Board of Film Classification. September 26, 2003. Retrieved January 13, 2016.
  5. ^ "Financial Information for The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved July 9, 2018.
  6. Fleming, Michael (October 8, 2009). "Twisted moves to 'Texas'". Variety. Retrieved March 9, 2018.
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  9. Harris, Dana (June 18, 2002). "Horror redo 'Chainsaw' catches Biel, Balfour". Variety. Retrieved February 24, 2016.
  10. Rachael Bell and Marilyn Bardsley. "Ed Gein: The Inspiration for Buffalo Bill and Psycho". truTV. Archived from the original on February 9, 2009. Retrieved August 3, 2009.
  11. Holden, Stephen (October 22, 2004). "Insomnia and Then Emaciation; Now Paranoia Takes Its Turn". The New York Times. Retrieved July 30, 2018.
  12. Condit, Jon (April 13, 2005). "Kosar, Scott (The Amityville Horror)". Dread Central. Retrieved August 16, 2016.
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  14. ^ "Interview with Andrew Bryniarski". texaschainsawmassacre.net. Retrieved July 29, 2014.
  15. ^ Head, Steve (October 14, 2003). "An Interview with Michael Bay". IGN. Retrieved February 2, 2016.
  16. Harris, Dana (May 7, 2002). "Nispel to direct remake of 'Chainsaw Massacre'". Variety. Retrieved February 24, 2016.
  17. Patrizio, Andy (March 25, 2004). "An Interview with Marcus Nispel". IGN. Retrieved February 24, 2016.
  18. O'Connell, Joe (September 6, 2002). "'Chainsaw' production revving up". Austin American-Statesman. Austin, Texas. pp. E3, E5 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  19. Elliott-Smith 2016, p. 181.
  20. "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)". The Soundtrack Info Project. Retrieved July 1, 2010.
  21. "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (score) (2003)". The Soundtrack Info Project. Retrieved July 1, 2010.
  22. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Official Trailer #1 - (2003) HD, October 9, 2011, retrieved June 26, 2022
  23. ^ "'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' gets a $29.1 million slice of box office". The Odessa American. Odessa, Texas: Associated Press. October 20, 2003. p. 4C – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  24. O'Connell, Joe (November 7, 2003). "A sequel for 'Chainsaw' remake?". Austin American-Statesman. Austin, Texas. p. E7 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  25. ^ Russell, Jamie (October 31, 2003). "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre". BBC Films. Retrieved July 30, 2018.
  26. "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved July 26, 2023.
  27. "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre". Metacritic.com. Metacritic. Retrieved December 30, 2014.
  28. "CinemaScore". cinemascore.com.
  29. Dargis, Manohla (October 17, 2003). "'Massacre': gory with little story". Los Angeles Times. p. E6 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  30. Elder, Robert K. (October 17, 2003). "'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' is one sharp horror remake". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved February 24, 2016.
  31. Thomas, William (October 28, 2015). "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Review". Empire. Retrieved February 24, 2016.
  32. Ebert, Roger (October 17, 2003). "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre". Retrieved July 12, 2014.
  33. Foundas, Scott (October 17, 2003). "Review: 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre'". Variety. Retrieved December 30, 2014.
  34. Travers, Peter (October 17, 2003). "Texas Chainsaw Massacre". Rolling Stone. Retrieved December 30, 2014.
  35. Kehr, Dave (October 17, 2003). "Another Long March to the Slaughterhouse". The New York Times. Retrieved December 30, 2014.
  36. Maltin 2013, p. 1397.
  37. "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: Review". SBS Movies. November 30, 2003. Retrieved March 30, 2021.
  38. "Margaret Pomeranz reveals worst movie she's ever seen". NewsComAu. January 22, 2019. Retrieved March 30, 2021.
  39. Bradshaw, Peter (October 31, 2003). "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre". The Guardian. London. p. 18 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  40. "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)". IGN. Retrieved February 25, 2016.
  41. "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003) UMD VIDEO". psp.ign.com. August 8, 2012. Archived from the original on August 7, 2006. Retrieved June 24, 2022.
  42. Keefer, Ryan (October 18, 2009). "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (Blu-ray)". DVD Talk. Retrieved February 25, 2016.
  43. Hand, Stephen (2004). The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. BL Publishing. ISBN 978-1-84416-060-0.
  44. Hand, Stephen; Shannon, Damian; Swift, Mark J. (2003). Freddy vs. Jason (New Line Cinema): Stephen Hand: 9781844160594: Amazon.com: Books. Black Flame. ISBN 1844160599.
  45. Kondrak, Greg (August 4, 2020). "10 Of The Worst Horror Movie Remakes, According To IMDb". ScreenRant. Retrieved October 15, 2022.

Bibliography

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