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Documentary Cult Classic

The original Chainsaw cast tells all in this raw, revealing documentary.

THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE: A FAMILY PORTRAIT

1988 · 1h 4m · NR · Documentary · IMDB TMDB

A documentary about the classic 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' film, including interviews with Gunnar Hansen, Edwin Neal, John Dugan and Jim Seidow.

Quick Answer

What is The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: A Family Portrait about?

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: A Family Portrait is a 1988 American documentary directed by Brad Shellady about the making of the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre, featuring interviews with key cast members.

Programmer's Pick

Ever wondered what Leatherface and his twisted family really thought of dinner? This doc peels back the flesh (and a few stories) with the surviving cast, showing how a low-budget Texas nightmare became the stuff of horror legend.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: A Family Portrait offers the first comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at Tobe Hooper’s infamous 1974 horror classic. This documentary gathers the surviving principal cast—Gunnar Hansen, Edwin Neal, John Dugan, and Jim Siedow—for candid interviews about their experiences making one of the most notorious films in independent cinema. Viewers are treated to rare production photos and selected footage from the original movie, weaving together memories and revelations straight from Leatherface, The Cook, Grandpa, and The Hitchhiker. It's a revealing exploration of how a shoestring-budget film became a legendary cult phenomenon and left an indelible mark on the horror genre.

Details & Specs

Director
Brad Shellady
Writer
Brad Shellady
Release
1988
Runtime
1h 4m
Country
United States of America
Language
English

Why Cult

Cast Interviews

Hear directly from Gunnar Hansen, Edwin Neal, John Dugan, and Jim Siedow as they recount their experiences making a horror milestone.

Rare Production Photos

Unearth never-before-seen images from the set, offering a glimpse into the chaotic creativity behind the original film.

Cult Film History

Explore how The Texas Chainsaw Massacre became the most successful independent horror film of its era and a lasting cult phenomenon.

Behind-the-Scenes Footage

Experience selected scenes and on-set moments that shaped a nightmare—and a genre.

Scene Gallery

Questions from the Vault

When was The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: A Family Portrait released? +

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: A Family Portrait was released in 1988.

Who directed The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: A Family Portrait? +

Brad Shellady directed The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: A Family Portrait.

How long is The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: A Family Portrait? +

The documentary runs for 64 minutes.

What genre is The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: A Family Portrait? +

It is a documentary.

Trailers & Clips

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: A Family Portrait trailer
Official Trailer
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