Chain Saw Confidential: How We Made America's Most Notorious Horror Movie: How We Made the World's Most Notorious Horror Movie - Hardcover

Hansen, Gunnar

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1452114498 ISBN 13: 9781452114491

Publisher: Chronicle Books, 2013

Synopsis

When first released in 1974, the terrifying film The Texas Chain Saw Massacre was both reviled and championed, seizing the imaginations of audiences and critics alike. It has grown from controversial cult sensation to being ranked by Total Film as the greatest horror movie ever made and shown in the permanent collection of New York's MOMA, even while the mystery and mythology around the film endures. Gunnar Hansen's fascinating literary memoir of the making of the film comes from the utterly unique perspective of having played the character of the grunting, chain saw-wielding Leatherface. A critically-acclaimed poet and author himself, Hansen tells the real story of the film, debunking myths and offering fresh insights and behind-the-scenes detail on the film's production and reception, as well as a compelling meditation on the film and the horror genre's place in pop culture today.

About this title

Review:

Holiday Gift Guide Pick- Ain't It Cool News "A poet who has written several books on history, travel and poetry, Hansen has a crisp, engaging and informative style, and this is a must-read for horror film buffs." -Asbury Park Press "As the masked man-child Leatherface in the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Gunnar Hansen let his homicidal character's infamous power tool do all the talking. But the Iceland-born, Austin, Tx.-bred actor and writer proves an engaging raconteur in Chain Saw Confidential. -Entertainment Weekly "Gunnar Hansen gives us a detailed look at not only the making of, but also the impact of, what is now universally acknowledged as an American classic, Tobe Hooper's The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. I am just grateful this excellent read is not titled "Leatherface Speaks!" " - John Landis, director of An American Werewolf in London "I wish every notable movie had a diarist or observer as clear-eyed and thorough as Gunnar Hansen. He leads us through the amazing adventure of making The Texas Chain Saw Massacre with a steady hand-and a delicious sense of humor." -Leonard Maltin, movie critic and historian, author of Leonard Maltin's Annual Movie Guide "If you've ever wondered what it was like to work on TCM--and I know I have--this may be as close as you'll get. Gunnar leads you through the making of the film so intimately and vividly that you really a feel a part of it. The innocence and ignorance, the dedication and commitment, with more than a dash of downright madness, through the extraordinary aftermath (the missing millions, the whirlwind of opprobrium dumped on the movie by dumb critics) to the film's triumphant rise to its rightful place as the most influential horror film of the last forty years. It's all here, presented with wonderful style and wit by the Man with the Mask and the Saw himself. Whether you love the movie or hate it, whether you're a fan of horror or despise the genre, this is a must-read." -Doug Bradley, actor, Hellraiser "Straight from the cracked lips of Leatherface himself comes this behind-the-scenes story of the film that changed the face of horror for all time. A terrific page-turning read, that like The Texas Chain Saw Massacre itself, doesn't skimp on the blood, sweat, or tears-beautifully told by the great Gunnar Hansen, who lived to tell the tale." -Stuart Gordon, director of Re-Animator "Who knew Leatherface could wield a pen as wonderfully as he swings a chainsaw? In his addictive Chain Saw Confidential, Gunnar Hansen writes a smart, funny and wildly entertaining account of making one of the greatest triumphs in cinematic history. Packed full of surprising insights and candid backstage anecdotes, it's an essential read for genre fans and a true delight for anyone who loves a great Texas yarn.."" -Jason Zinoman, author of Shock Value "Witty, well written, and just... amazing. Chain Saw Confidential is a refreshing look at a horror classic which has now entered the public lexicon." -Dread Central "From the scripting through production-chronicled in terms of the movie's chronology, not the order of shooting-to Texas Chainsaw's reception and reputation, every bloody nook and cranny is explored here, revealing many details that will likely surprise even fans who think they've heard it all." -Fangoria "10 out of 10. A film that has managed to creep that deeply under the skin of the audience's consciousness MUST have had a truly warped and strange gestation and creation, and finally the truth can be told, by someone who was actually there at the time. Not a friend's cousin, not a second-hand account from a third party, but an honest to goodness eye witness. The actor behind the role of Leatherface, Gunnar Hansen, a sensitive and gentle writer of poetry, has penned a complete account of the filming of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, and believe us it is a riveting and stunningly well written book...can't recommend this highly enough. Chain Saw Confidential is an absolute MUST read for any horror or independent film fan." -Starburst Magazine "Witty, well written, and just... amazing. " Chain Saw Confidential" is a refreshing look at a horror classic which has now entered the public lexicon." -Dread Central

About the Author:

Gunnar Hansen played the character Leatherface in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, has worked as a freelance writer for the past thirty-five years and has published four books. Hansen continues to work as an actor and has appeared in more than twenty-five films since The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.

About this edition

• Publisher: Chronicle Books
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 1452114498
• ISBN 13: 9781452114491
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 240