RIP Tobe Hooper…
Another great Horror Film Director has passed away.
Tobe Hooper has died at the age of 74 – this film Director made two of the most popular films in the horror genre…
“They’re Here…”
Hooper directed the horror classic “Poltergeist”, the 1982 ghost story produced by Steven Spielberg. An unfortunate rumor has hung over this movie, suggesting Spielberg stepped in to direct some of it, a charge that has always been denied.
Hooper also directed one of the greatest horror films of all time – one that helped usher in a new wave of realism into the genre:
Hooper wrote “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” with Kim Henkel, based loosely on the horrific crimes of Ed Gein – it’s widely considered one of the greatest horror films of all time.
Check out the iconic trailer:
What A Classic Shocker!
Director Hooper offered up a new vision of horror in 1974, when his film was so raw that many people thought it was real!
The plot is simple: five teenagers in a car have a couple of strange encounters before ending up at an old family home…where the horror begins!
Say Hello To “Leatherface!”
Gunnar Hansen played “Leatherface”, one of the most shocking characters in movie history – the “raw” feel of the movie made it almost impossible to watch – especially when they are invited to the family “dinner”…
According to the great IMDB website, Director Tobe Hooper claims to have gotten the idea for the film while standing in the hardware section of a crowded store. While thinking of a way to get out through the crowd, he spotted the chainsaws!
Gunnar “Leatherface” Hansen hit his head on doorways and other objects several times during the shoot because the Leatherface mask severely limited his peripheral vision and the three-inch heels he wore made his 6’4″ frame too high to clear all obstacles!
Horrific – But No Blood!
The most shocking thing about “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” is that it isn’t very bloody! As IMDB reports:
“This is because Tobe Hooper intended to make the movie for a “PG” rating, by keeping violence moderate, language mild, and having most of the horror implied offscreen rather than shown in great detail onscreen. However, this plan had actually backfired, and made the film even more horrifying. Because despite cutting and repeated submissions, the Ratings Board insisted on an “X” rating!”
In 1979, Hooper directed the TV adaptation of Stephen King’s classic vampire novel “Salem’s Lot” – and it’s terrific as well…
This sad news comes after we lost another great Horror Director recently, George Romero…here is a look at his career:
It’s a shock to lose two great pioneers in the genre so soon…
RIP Tobe Hooper…
