OLD HORROR: “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.” / “The Amityville Horror.” / “Phantasm.” / Children of the Corn.”

“The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” (1974, Roku) independent horror film, directed by Tobe Hooper. This is the original of the franchise. The plot follows a group of friends who fall victim to a family of cannibals while on their way to visit an old homestead. Although the character of Leatherface and minor story details were inspired by the crimes of murderer Ed Gein, its plot is largely fictional. The film was marketed as being based on true events to attract a wider audience and to act as a subtle commentary on the era's political climate. 

       Tobe Hooper produced the film for less than $140,000 ($700,000 adjusted for inflation) and used a cast of relatively unknown actors drawn mainly from central Texas, where the film was shot. Due to the film's violent content, Mr Hooper struggled to find a distributor. But of course that was the 1970s. Gore and violence have evolved. But it is interesting to revisit the original work that spawned a string of sequels. Now they even have prequels and spinoffs. 

       This 1974 version is what it was. Filmmaking them can be a bit cartoonish, silly and simplistic. And the scream queens also inspired the scream queens of today. And this classic horror, 51 years hence, is now very funny, indeed. 🎥💻📽

“The Amityville Horror” (1979, Roku) supernatural horror film, follows a young couple who purchase a home haunted by combative supernatural forces. It is based on Jay Anson's 1977 book of the same name, which was based on alleged paranormal experiences of the Lutz family who briefly resided in the same Amityville, New York home where Ronald DeFeo Jr. committed the mass murder of his family in 1974. 

       There are a number of Amityville Horror films but I was/am only interested with the 1979 original, directed by Stuart Rosenberg, and starring James Brolin, Margot Kidder, and Rod Steiner.

       And this one is really scary. As always, as in the first time that I saw this movie, I am so relieved that George was able to save Harry The Dog, or Harry saved him. 🎥💻📽

“Phantasm” (1979, Roku) science fantasy horror film. The first film in the “Phantasm” franchise, it introduces the Tall Man (Angus Scrimm), a supernatural and malevolent undertaker who turns the dead of Earth into dwarf zombies to be sent to his planet and used as slaves. He is opposed by a young boy, Mike (Michael Baldwin), who tries to convince his older brother Jody (Bill Thornbury) and family friend Reggie (Reggie Bannister) of the threat.

       After I watched the movie on the big screen in those years, I awkwardly felt threatened by tall men who somehow looked like Mr Scrimm. (I am a short dude.) 

       “Phantasm” was probably the first time that I saw eerie dreamlike imagery told in a silly albeit surreal narrative. At least I prefer this bizarre mischief over the cartoonish gore in slasher cinema. 

       A cult classic, this movie was followed by four sequels: Phantasm II (1988), Phantasm III: Lord of the Dead (1994), Phantasm IV: Oblivion (1998) and Phantasm: Ravager (2016). I think I saw Part II. That was it. By that time I went back to watching tall men in the NBA instead. 🎥💻📽

“Children of the Corn” (1984, Roku) supernatural horror film, based on Stephen King's 1977 short story of the same name. Set in the fictitious rural town of Gatlin, Nebraska, the film tells the story of a malevolent entity referred to as "He Who Walks Behind the Rows" which entices the town's children to ritually murder all the town's adults to ensure a successful corn harvest.

       In those years, my teenage years, this movie was very scary, along with The Exorcist, The Omen, The Amityville Horror, Poltergeist, Phantasm, Carrie etcetera. For some reason, decades hence, they seem like comical parodies of the past, almost cartoonish. Though I am not saying this horror is badly-made; cinema had different measures of commercial hits and critical success then.

       Take note: This is the movie that kicked off a franchise that has reached eight sequels as of 2018. Not sure if I saw all of them but I know I saw a lot of “Corn…” during the VHS years. 🎥💻📽