AllMovie

Several cast members from Tobe Hooper's influential and groundbreaking landmark in '70s horror share their memories in this direct-to-video documentary. In Texas Chainsaw Massacre: A Family Portrait, director Brad Shellady interviews Gunnar Hansen (who played Leatherface), Jim Siedow (who played The Cook, and was the only member of the cast who also appeared in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2), Edwin Neal (who played The Hitchhiker), and John Dugan (who played Grandfather and also served as a production assistant). The actors talk about how they were cast, share stories about the film's often trying shooting schedule (especially the grueling 26-hour shoot for the dinner sequence), and discuss the film's influence and legacy, as well as how their work in the movie influenced their careers, for good or ill. Brief clips from the movie are also included, though Hooper's 1986 sequel is not covered in any detail.