Deranged VS. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

Deranged verged into (intentional) comedy itself, several times actually and to great effect. But I was also struck by how similar the two movies are. The "dinner" sequence and the bit leading up to it with the abducted Mary in Deranged is so close to the dinner scene in TCM, not only in what's going on but even in presentation. That particular sequence was, for me, the high water mark of Deranged and I thought the movie sort of fell off after that. Not that it was bad, but the tension building just kind of ebbed from there. I prefer TCM, and thought Deranged was really marred by the presence of the on-screen narrator, but great minds definitely thought alike in '74.

Well, they were both comedic, both on purpose, though I know what you mean about Chainsaw as opposed to this; it's almost "madcap," it's so relentless. If you really pinned me down and made me choose between the two, I think I'd have to pick Chainsaw, just because I think it's one of the most perfect movies ever made. The direction, editing, the pacing, every aspect of its delivery just couldn't have been done any better. Deranged is definitely rougher, there are things that don't totally work (mainly subtle things like a few pacing issues) next to things that are completely amazing. I can't say it's as brilliant as The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, but thas okay because 1) few movies are, and 2), the roughness kind of adds to the nightmare logic of the whole thing.


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I love both moviers and I find them quite similar in tone and directing. TCM is probably superior work of art though, since it's scarier and and takes the subject matter more seriously. Deranged has other qualities, like deeper and darker subtexts and dark comedic reliefs. Both are the amazing movies anyway

I think they'd work well together and would make a killer double bill (literally), but I give the edge to "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" for its stronger momentum and pacing.

Well, I love Leatherface Bubba, Hansen made his image classic, but Blossom did an effective mama's boy approach. I'd say about equal for me.
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I think TTCM is the better movie overall but since i have seen it so many times already and only seen Deranged once I would much rather watch Deranged again rather than TTCM. But TTCM is obviously a better film in a purely cinematic way. However as a movie depicting the crimes of Ed Gein, Deranged rises as the way better movie since TTCM do not really have anything to do with the real case.

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"Deranged", all the way. Ezra is truly creepy, a great, unique performance, and I really cared for most of the other characters.

Honestly, never understood the "appeal" of TTCM. The chubby "Leatherface" is more laughable and clumsy than scary while running, and only the final girl is likeable, IMHO.

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Both films are fabulous and I'd add Three on a Meathook for an early '70s Ed Gein triple feature. I'd say TCM is my favorite out of the three but that's because I've seen it most and have the most memories attached to it. That may change in time.