It’s been a long while since I have released one these gore-drenched brain dumps. I finally got the opportunity to see one of my favorite horror movies on the big-screen, and it was a big deal. On another note, I had a chance to see yet another team-up between Caroline Munro and the late Joe Spinell. I was not disappointed.
Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) – The Theater Experience
Finally! Texas Chainsaw Massacre 50th Anniversary made it to one of my local theaters in a beautiful 4K restoration.
Riding a tsunami of excitement I bought 2 tickets, one for me and one for my wife who abhors horror movies, and we were off to the 10:30PM showing. She hated it. I thought it was glorious. The entire affair was a stark reminder of the menace and the power of this film. this is coming from someone who has probably watched the film at least 35 times.
Let’s start with the 4k restoration of the film. My first experience with Texas Chainsaw Massacre came from a tattered Wizard Video VHS that had been through at least 1000 VCRs. Tracking lines and all, the film was grainy, dark and endearing in that 1980’s video store kind of way. In reality, this film is far more vibrant than the muffled sound, muted colors and dim lighting of the VHS.
Without being at the initial release, who would have know how vibrant this films really is?
Starting with the obvious, Daniel Pearls low-angle follow shot of Pam walking towards the house Is absolutely stunning as the house blocks out the blue sky while towering over the audience. I was blow away by the scenes of Marylin Burns writhing in her “arm” chair. Never would I have thought that her eyes were so stunningly green. The behemoth that is Gunnar Hansen playing Leatherface is even more monstrous as he stands 12 feet tall on the screen.
I addition to the visuals, so sound of this release is incredible. For this release, the original sound was remixed for 7.1 digital theater systems. This mix provides a ton of space for the audio to surround the audience. Up until this point I had totally missed the demonic growls rumbling behind Marylin’s wailing screams.
The entire experience provided a testament to the power of the theater when watching a powerful film. I highly recommend that you check it out.
The Last Horror Film (1982) / Fanatic
Being a horror fan is like unraveling the worlds largest bloody sweater. Every time you tug on a loose string, it unravels into a new universe. After recently completing my retrospective review of Maniac (1980), I learned that Joe Spinell and Caroline Munro came together in another film titled The Last Horror Film (1982). A quick search on Tubi quickly found the film and I was set. This is probably a good place to mention that the film can also be found under the title Fanatic.
As the story goes, portions of this film were lost for a long period of time and it was only recently was a complete version of the film found.
Where to Watch
The Last Horror Film, directed by David Winters, covers the adventures of Vinnie Durand (Joe Spinell) as an unhinged superfan of Jana Bates (Caroline Munro), a Hollywood Superstar and horror film actress. Vinnie spends the rest of his time aspiring to be a film director. This brings Vinnie to the Cannes Film Festival so that he meet find Jana Bates and convince her to star in his new film.
Vinnie suffers from continual delusions and seems to be descending into madness while a slasher stalks Cannes, killing directors, actresses and producers. Is Vinnie the creepshow that he seems, or is there something more sinister happening in Cannes. The Last Horror Film begs the viewer to f*** around and find out.
As far as Tubi Terrors go, this one is wild ride. It beautifully lays out the excess of 1980’s Hollywood in outrageous fashion. It’s corny at times for sure, but I think that is what makes it endearing. In fact, it could even be considered to be satrical. If ever there was a missed opportunity, The Last Horror Film could have indulged a bit more in the obvious drug use that would have dominated the scene.
The other theme that runs through The Last Horror Film concerns the the dark side of celebrity fandom. While Vinnie Durand represents a quirky microcosm of the problem, modern viewers will quickly connect the dots to real world problems that they see everyday. What’s worse, blind devotion to the Internet seems to be breeding this obsessive fandom at a pace that literally can decide the direction politics and discourse.
In this one Joe Spinell once again plays a sympathetic fruitcake, but he is much less menacing even more awkward. You’ll not be surprised that he once again looks sweaty in every scene that he is in. Caroline Munro is no less than spectacular in every scene that she graces. Am I gushing again?
Along the way are a few clever kills until reaching a mostly, if not entirely, predictable ending. Regardless, everyone walks away satisfied.