"The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2" was one of the most eagerly anticipated horror sequels of the 80s. Although it was ill-received when it first came out (a lot of people were disappointed that it was an outrageous black comedy instead of an all-out serious and intense fright flick), it has since gone on to acquire a substantial (and well deserved) cult following. Director Michael Felsher rounds up a bunch of cast and crew members for this nifty documentary: harried screenwriter L.M. Kit Carson (who was still rewriting the script during the frenzied shooting of the film!), charismatic special make-up f/x maestro Tom Savini, the still lovely Caroline Williams, amiable Lou Perryman, the always lively Bill Moseley (he still has his Choptop teeth), capable cinematographer Richard Kooris, gifted production designer Cary White (who did wonders with a tight budget and schedule), resourceful property master Michael Sullivan, and the soft-spoken Bill Johnson (the gentle giant who portrayed Leatherface in the movie). Topics discussed include the challenge of making a sequel to a much beloved horror classic, the rushed and hectic shooting of the picture, the make-up effects, and director Tobe Hooper's colorful and galvanizing presence on the set. We also get to see some terrific behind-the-scenes footage. The flavorsome, rollicking country rock score really does the trick. A fine, enjoyable and illuminating documentary that's a must-see for fans of the film.
2 Reviews
A pleasingly thorough and informative retrospective documentary on the making of this underrated sequel
Woodyanders1 October 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Fun Look at TCM2
Michael_Elliott10 March 2012
It Runs in the Family (2006)
*** 1/2 (out of 4)
Six-part documentary centering on the 20th anniversary of THE Texas CHAINSAW MASSACRE 2. Screenwriter L.M. Kit Carson, cinematographer Richard Kooris, production manager Cary White, make-up artist Tom Savini and actors Bill Johnson, Caroline Williams, Lou Perryman and Bill Moseley are all interviewed about their involvement in the film, which opened to horrid reviews from fans and critics but has gained a cult following over the years. Clocking in right at 90-minutes, this documentary is pretty definitive in regards to talking about the making of the film, although the big piece missing is director Tobe Hooper. It's really a shame they couldn't get him on camera (he did do a commentary on the disc) but there is a nice little tribute to him where the cast and crew discuss his style and the fact that he always had a Dr. Pepper with him. The first portion deals with the writing of the screenplay and how Carson was having to change it daily to meet the budget cuts. We also get a good section devoted to the cast with everyone talking about how they got hired and what impact it had on their careers. We don't get to hear from Dennis Hopper but the entire group comment about working with him. One of the best sections is called "Prime Meat" which looks at the make-up work by Savini. Savini comments on coming up with many of the death scenes and he goes into detail about the chopping off of the top part of a man's head. He even shows off the face prop that Caroline Williams had to wear at the end of the film. We're also treated to some behind the scenes footage that was shot on the set. Finally, the cast and crew talk about their impressions of the final film. Fans of the movie or even those who hate it should really enjoy this documentary as it gives you a clear idea of various problems that came up due to the budget being cut and the cast really makes you feel that it was a great shoot. Everyone involved seem very happy with the end result and especially since they get to talk about it so many years later.
*** 1/2 (out of 4)
Six-part documentary centering on the 20th anniversary of THE Texas CHAINSAW MASSACRE 2. Screenwriter L.M. Kit Carson, cinematographer Richard Kooris, production manager Cary White, make-up artist Tom Savini and actors Bill Johnson, Caroline Williams, Lou Perryman and Bill Moseley are all interviewed about their involvement in the film, which opened to horrid reviews from fans and critics but has gained a cult following over the years. Clocking in right at 90-minutes, this documentary is pretty definitive in regards to talking about the making of the film, although the big piece missing is director Tobe Hooper. It's really a shame they couldn't get him on camera (he did do a commentary on the disc) but there is a nice little tribute to him where the cast and crew discuss his style and the fact that he always had a Dr. Pepper with him. The first portion deals with the writing of the screenplay and how Carson was having to change it daily to meet the budget cuts. We also get a good section devoted to the cast with everyone talking about how they got hired and what impact it had on their careers. We don't get to hear from Dennis Hopper but the entire group comment about working with him. One of the best sections is called "Prime Meat" which looks at the make-up work by Savini. Savini comments on coming up with many of the death scenes and he goes into detail about the chopping off of the top part of a man's head. He even shows off the face prop that Caroline Williams had to wear at the end of the film. We're also treated to some behind the scenes footage that was shot on the set. Finally, the cast and crew talk about their impressions of the final film. Fans of the movie or even those who hate it should really enjoy this documentary as it gives you a clear idea of various problems that came up due to the budget being cut and the cast really makes you feel that it was a great shoot. Everyone involved seem very happy with the end result and especially since they get to talk about it so many years later.
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