Should I Watch the Original Texas Chainsaw Massacre Before the New One?
If you’re interested in watching the 2022 film Texas Chainsaw Massacre, you may be wondering whether watching the original 1974 film, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, is necessary. The good news is that you don’t necessarily need to watch the original to enjoy the new film, but understanding the history and continuity between the two movies can enhance your experience.
The Original Texas Chainsaw Massacre: A Short Summary
Released in 1974, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre was a groundbreaking horror film written, edited, and directed by Tobe Hooper. The movie takes place in 1973, where five friends, Sally, Franklin, Kirk, Pam, and Jerry, embark on a road trip to visit a rural funeral in Texas. Along the way, they stop at an isolated gas station where they encounter a disturbing and brutal killer, known as Leatherface, who wears a mask made from his victims’ skin. The film received widespread critical acclaim and has since become a cult classic.
The New Texas Chainsaw Massacre: What You Need to Know
The 2022 film Texas Chainsaw Massacre is a soft reboot of the original, taking place 50 years after the events of the first movie. The film follows a group of friends, including Sally Hardesty, who returns to the small town where she survived a terrifying encounter with Leatherface. The group, unaware of the horrors that await them, stumbles upon a sinister family, who happen to be the descendants of the original clan. The film introduces new characters while paying homage to the original, cleverly weaving together the story and creating a sense of continuity.
Understanding the Connection between the Two Movies
While watching the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre before the new film is not necessary, knowing the background of Leatherface and the Texas Chainsaw Massacre series can enhance your appreciation of the new film. Here’s what you need to know:
• The Reboot Timeline: The new film takes place within the same fictional universe as the original. This means that the events of the new film follow the events of the first movie and are connected through the character of Sally Hardesty.
• The Origins of Leatherface: The beginning of the new film, which features a prequel timeline, explains that Leatherface was born on a slaughterhouse assembly line in Fuller, Texas, in 1939. This sets the stage for his eventual growth into a disfigured and unstable individual with a penchant for brutality.
• Sally Hardesty Returns: The new film introduces a grown-up Sally Hardesty, who returns to Harlow, the small town where she initially encountered Leatherface. This brings her closer to the horrors of the past and confronts her with the reality that her traumatic experiences have not been resolved.
Can I Still Enjoy the New Movie Without Watching the Original?
Yes, the new movie is designed to be enjoyable for both veterans of the franchise and new viewers. Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022) includes backstory and flashbacks that fill in the gaps for viewers who haven’t watched the original. Additionally, the film’s main characters are relatable, likable, and have their own agency, making it easy for viewers to connect with their struggles and fears.
Key Similarities and Differences between the Two Films
Here’s a brief comparison of the original and new films:
| The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) | Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022) | |
|---|---|---|
| Plot | Group of friends encounter a killer in a rural town | A group of friends inherits a property with a dark family history |
| Setting | Realistic, grimy Texan landscape | Updated, digitally enhanced setting |
| Mood | Creepy, isolated, and unsettling | Fast-paced, atmospheric, and intense |
| Scares | Relatively tame by today’s horror standards | More graphic, bloody, and graphic violence |
Conclusion
While you may not need to watch the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre before watching the new film, doing so will likely enhance your appreciation for the franchise. The new film cleverly weaves together elements from the first movie, creating a cohesive narrative that sets the stage for new terror. If you enjoy horror movies with strong atmospheric tension, relatable characters, and graphic scares, Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022) is well worth watching.