Through several interviews, the documentary explores the impact of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre on the artistic journey of 5 prominent artists in the genre landscape: Patton Oswalt, Takashi Miike, Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, Stephen King, and Karyn Kusama.
In a passion that is almost as naive as that of a child, Patton Oswalt, Takashi Miike, Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, Stephen King, and Karyn Kusama guide us through Chain Reactions, a documentary that charmed me with its love for horror, a love that transcends the screen so intensely.
Collaboration with Horreur Québec
Since last July, I’ve been writing film reviews for you here, on Le Petit Septième, but what you may not know is that I’ve been honing my writing at Horreur Québec since April. Because yes, I am a huge horror fan. It is therefore with great excitement and pride that Le Petit Septième and Horreur Québec are collaborating today for this article.
The Love of Horror
Chain Reactions is a documentary that charmed me with its love for horror, a love that so intensely transcends the screen. The passion of these well-known artists lit up the eyes of the horror fan that I am. This love is more than refreshing, a breath of lightness that paradoxically creates a strong shock. It is more than unusual to link horror and love in this way; maybe I’m strange, but I loved being so destabilized!
Photo credit: Robert Muratore
The documentary is a declaration of love to genre cinema, but especially to Texas Chainsaw Massacre, a film that has marked more than one generation through VHS, DVDs, anniversary screenings, and much more. Through the gentle words of the artists we meet, the cult classic almost takes on the appearance of a poetic film. Yes, you read that right… Texas Chainsaw Massacre is poetic. I was surprised too! But it’s clear that this idea is not so far from reality.
With Chain Reactions, we get access to the beginnings of these great genre artists’ love for horror. Through their very personal stories with Texas Chainsaw Massacre, we are given a glimpse into intimate moments that defined the beginnings of their careers. With stars in their eyes and silly smiles on their faces, they show us this slasher in a new light.
A Passionate Analysis
When I say that Chain Reactions is refreshing, it is even in the connections it forges. By telling us about their love at first sight for the cult horror film, the artists presented make particularly original connections, whether between Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Nosferatu or even with Chaplin! The analyses are exciting, enriching, and, above all, new! Through them, we can understand the artistic journey of these big names in horror.
Takashi Miike | Photo credit: Robert Muratore
Surprisingly, but in a touching way, with these analyses and these links between works, we quickly realize that for the majority of these big names, Texas Chainsaw Massacre came into their lives without warning. Whether by choosing a movie on a whim at the cinema or even seeing the film’s poster in the newspaper, this great film marked the lives of Patton Oswalt, Takashi Miike, Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, Stephen King, and Karyn Kusama, more than just their artistic journey!
Editing
The editing of the documentary Chain Reactions is like the editing of Texas Chainsaw Massacre, using similar codes to create a most satisfying sense of immersion. The editing of this film makes it a work in its own right and not just a simple documentary about a given film.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I recommend watching Chain Reactions if you are a movie lover, but especially if you are a fan of genre cinema! It will satisfy your cinematic insatiability for the duration of your viewing.
Stephen King | Photo credit: Robert Muratore
Touching, refreshing, shocking, and captivating, this documentary will allow you to see a cult classic of horror cinema in a new light!
